CDC pauses lab testing of rabies, monkeypox and other diseases
nbcnewyork.com • • general
Key Points:
- The CDC has temporarily paused diagnostic testing for over two dozen infectious diseases, including rabies and monkeypox, citing a routine review to maintain high-quality laboratory standards.
- This pause affects a broader range of tests than previous instances, with unclear reasons, though staffing shortages and ongoing evaluations since 2024 may be contributing factors.
- The CDC has experienced significant downsizing in the past year, with laboratory staff reductions of 20-25%, severely impacting specialized labs such as those for poxvirus, rabies, and malaria.
- Some paused tests involve common infections with commercial alternatives available, while others concern rare diseases; certain state labs like those in New York and California may temporarily compensate for the CDC's reduced testing capacity.
- Officials emphasize that the pause is temporary and expect testing to resume in the coming weeks, with the CDC continuing to support state and local public health partners during this period.
