CDC Rebuffed 500-in-8-Hour Measles Test as U.S. Cases Top 4,400
Updated
Updated · The Seattle Times · Oct 22
CDC Rebuffed 500-in-8-Hour Measles Test as U.S. Cases Top 4,400
3 articles · Updated · The Seattle Times · Oct 22
Summary
California and Washington asked the CDC in May to validate a high-throughput measles test that can process 500 cases in eight hours, but the agency took two months to reply and declined.
In a letter to CDC Director Erica Schwartz, the West Coast Health Alliance said the CDC cited “other competing priorities” and urged it to issue protocols so state labs can use rapid, large-outbreak testing.
More than 4,400 measles cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year, with Pennsylvania reporting six related deaths, while current public-lab testing often takes two business days and up to five in understaffed states.
Public health labs already have high-throughput machines from the Covid era, but experts said many still need a CDC-endorsed test and that the agency may lack capacity after staffing fell about 30% under tighter political control.
Texas and Utah validated their own measles tests last year, yet CDC officials and outside experts said the agency now needs to adapt and support high-volume testing as outbreaks grow.