CDC Pauses Diagnostic Testing for Rabies, Mpox, and Other Infectious Diseases

In Brief

The suspension of CDC testing services may impact disease surveillance and response efforts for several infectious threats.

Key Facts

• The CDC has paused its diagnostic testing for rabies and mpox (monkeypox).
• These diseases were removed from a list of tests the CDC conducts for state and local health departments.
• Experts have expressed concern that with significant staff reductions, the paused testing may not resume.
• The pause affects dozens of types of laboratory testing, according to The Independent.
• The CDC is undergoing an evaluation and downsizing, which is linked to the pause in testing.

What Happened

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has halted diagnostic testing for rabies, mpox, and other infectious diseases, affecting services provided to state and local health departments.

Why It Matters

Pausing these tests could delay detection and response to outbreaks, potentially affecting public health monitoring and the ability to contain infectious diseases.

What's Next

It is unclear when or if the paused testing will resume. Observers are monitoring for updates from the CDC regarding the restoration of these services.