This Week in CDC News: October 19–25, 2025

This Week in CDC News: October 19–25, 2025

This is a brief overview of major news about CDC from the past week. In this overview, I describe the major themes from news coverage about CDC, reference important insights and events, and include hyperlinks to all relevant news articles.

Government Shutdown Deepens Strain on CDC and Public Health Workforce

News outlets continued documenting the wide-ranging consequences of the ongoing federal shutdown for CDC employees, disease surveillance, and public health operations. Reports highlighted missed paychecks, halted programs, and reduced workforce morale as core functions remain suspended.

• WSB-TV reported that CDC workers in Atlanta have missed paychecks for weeks, with one employee describing the situation as “helpless.”
• CNN highlighted how critical disease surveillance has stalled just as respiratory virus season begins, creating potential gaps in detection.
• Stateline warned that state health departments lack timely federal data, potentially endangering lives.
• Truthout argued that the shutdown is being used as a tool to weaken federal health agencies.
• Fierce Healthcare detailed how furloughs across HHS have disrupted essential services and left staff uncertain about their roles.

CDC Workforce Reductions and Morale Crisis

Layoffs, firings, and resignations dominated this week’s CDC-related coverage, illustrating the toll of political and budgetary turmoil on the agency’s staff and leadership.

• Atlanta Magazine reported that continued layoffs are shaking Atlanta’s public health community.
• Congresswoman Lucy McBath and Georgia’s Democratic delegation demanded answers about “chaotic firings” at CDC.
• Public Health on Call featured a former employee describing CDC as “a horrible place to be at this time.”
• Gizmodo published an interview with a former senior official who said the agency had been “irreparably damaged” under the current administration.
• The Bulwark explored how former CDC employees are forming networks to sustain evidence-based public health efforts outside government.

Challenges to Science and Vaccine Policy

Several reports scrutinized the weakening of science-based policymaking in vaccine guidance and public health leadership, especially amid changes in federal advisory processes and anti-science movements.

• CIDRAP reported that former ACIP members believe the quality of CDC vaccine advisory decisions has “nose-dived.”
• Vaccine (journal) published an independent review of ACIP’s September deliberations, raising concerns about transparency and rigor.
• STAT and Medpage Today both reported that NEJM and public health partners plan to launch a new publication as an “alternative” to CDC’s MMWR.
• Science-Based Medicine criticized the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General, describing her approach as “legitimizing quackery.”
• The Guardian and NewsNation reported on RFK Jr.’s plans to promote diets high in saturated fat, alarming health experts.

Global Health and Leadership Voices

Former CDC leaders continued to speak publicly about global health threats and the erosion of U.S. influence in global disease prevention.

• The Guardian quoted former CDC Director Tom Frieden urging Australia to “step up to prevent catastrophic and preventable loss of life” in response to U.S. aid cuts.
• The Formula featured Frieden’s note of gratitude to CDC staff, emphasizing public service and resilience.
• WABE warned that global health initiatives based in Atlanta are “going down the drain” amid foreign aid cuts.

Infectious Disease Trends and Emerging Threats

Amid policy upheaval, scientific outlets reported on rising infectious disease concerns, from measles and mpox to avian influenza.

• Nature examined increases in measles, polio, and tuberculosis globally, citing weakened immunization systems.
• The Seattle Times reported over 100 measles cases in Utah and Arizona.
• Healthbeat discussed a new mpox virus variant spreading in California, with many at-risk people unvaccinated.
• The New York Times noted the return of H5N1 bird flu as a concern for global preparedness.