# CDC Ignored State Request for Measles Test Validation

> CDC delayed validating a new measles test after states asked in May, risking outbreak response.
- Title: CDC Ignored State Request for Measles Test Validation
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: cdc, measles, state health, measles outbreak, public health labs, west coast health alliance, cdc test validation, news, local, Ignored, State, Request
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/21/nation/cdc-measles-test-letter
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cdc, measles, state health, measles outbreak, public health labs, west coast health alliance, cdc test validation, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

CDC ignored West Coast states' request to validate a rapid measles test, delaying outbreak response.