A key CDC publication resumed after a two-week halt, but experts say its latest edition lacks information on urgent public health threats.
Mike Stobbe reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report returned with studies on wildfire-related health risks after being suspended under a broader pause on federal communications.
- One study examined PFAS exposure in Maui firefighters, while another analyzed emergency room visit trends during Los Angeles wildfires.
- Public health experts expressed concern that the report omitted updates on the bird flu outbreak and other emerging health threats.
Key quote:
“If political decisions determine which health threats to highlight, we’ll all be less safe.”
— Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director and current president of Resolve to Save Lives
Why this matters:
Any delay or disruption in the MMWR's release can have far-reaching consequences. Researchers, physicians and public health officials rely on its timely data to guide their decisions — whether it’s treating patients, developing policies or directing emergency responses. The report is also a critical resource for policymakers shaping health strategies and for scientists who depend on it to identify trends and inform studies.
Related: CDC halts publication of research papers to remove banned terms
