CDC scrapped a plan to offer help curbing measles in Texas schools after staff working on the agency’s response to this year’s record outbreak of the virus were warned they could face layoffs. A concerning, sad reality that could affect the future of public health.
Agency officials scrapped the opportunity of ventilation assessments due to the fear of losing their jobs. So now, measle outbreaks are being faced by Texas and other states. Canada and Mexico are also included.
Niosh officials have been deployed to assist in many health incidents. Although known for scientific research, they have helped hospitals around the country. Whether it was to prepare for the Ebola cases or building isolation rooms to screen passengers during COVID, the team has shockingly been a big help.
Nonetheless, many CDC and NIOSH members have been told that they would be working in the office until the end of its time. Its members, and even leadership are either being laid, reassigned to other agencies, or to be cut.
These developments are once again concerning and disappointing. It’s a shame that the government has been acting spotty and dismissive toward public health. A future without isolation rooms and ventilation assessment was not on my bingo card. And yet these announcements have continued to eliminate procedures that have helped our country. An upsetting concept that is scaringly coming to fruition.
