From The Boston Globe · · 1m 20s
CDC Ignored State Request for Measles Test Validation
CDC delayed validating a new measles test after states asked in May, risking outbreak response.
In brief
CDC delayed validating a new measles test after states asked in May, risking outbreak response. CDC ignored West Coast states' request to validate a rapid measles test, delaying outbreak response. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
States Request Measles Test
California and Washington health officials asked CDC in May to validate a test that can diagnose 500 measles cases in eight hours.
CDC Delayed Response
CDC officials did not respond for two months after states requested test validation in May.
CDC Cited Competing Priorities
CDC said it had other competing priorities and could not dedicate time to making a high-volume measles test available to state labs.
States Urged CDC Action
West Coast Health Alliance officials urged CDC to develop and distribute protocols for rapid measles testing to prepare for large outbreaks.
Measles Testing Challenges
Measles diagnosis typically takes two business days, with some states requiring up to five days due to staff shortages.
CDC Staffing Shortages
CDC has 30 percent fewer employees than during the start of Trump’s second term, with leadership challenges.
Measles Cases Surge
CDC recorded over 4,400 measles cases and six deaths in Pennsylvania this year, prompting urgent testing needs.
The main idea
CDC ignored West Coast states' request to validate a rapid measles test, delaying outbreak response.
