Story perspectives

CDC Absence at IDWeek Sparks Concerns Over Infectious Disease Research

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

CDC researchers are absent from the IDWeek conference due to the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2023.
The conference is vital for discussing infectious diseases, especially with recent increases in measles and whooping cough cases in the U.S.
The CDC has lost 25% of its workforce, with further layoffs expected, prompting criticism from experts like Michael Osterholm.
Some CDC scientists cannot present their research, raising concerns about the sharing of scientific information.

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Story summary

CDC researchers are absent from the IDWeek conference due to the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2023.
The conference is vital for discussing infectious diseases, especially with recent increases in measles and whooping cough cases in the U.S.
The CDC has lost 25% of its workforce, with further layoffs expected, prompting criticism from experts like Michael Osterholm.
Some CDC scientists cannot present their research, raising concerns about the sharing of scientific information.