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2026-04-07 14:07:17
[CDC Suspends Testing for 31 Infectious Diseases: Staff Shortages and Quality Review Pressures] (1) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suspended testing for dozens of infectious diseases and parasites submitted by state and local health departments. As of this week, the suspension covers 31 diseases, including rabies, chickenpox, and EB virus. (2) In late 2024, the CDC launched a testing quality review and established the Laboratory Systems and Response Office to streamline operations. A CDC spokesperson said this was part of a routine evaluation aimed at fulfilling its commitment to high-quality testing. During the suspension, the CDC will coordinate with state and local departments to conduct testing through other laboratories, and some testing is expected to resume in the coming weeks. (3) This testing suspension comes at a time of great upheaval for the CDC, including a shooting, massive layoffs, and a leadership vacuum. According to The New York Times, staff shortages have become so severe that staff can no longer provide advice outside of working hours.
