- Former CDC employees warn that personnel cuts are hampering the U.S. response to rising cyclospora cases.
- The CDC's cyclospora outbreak lab was reduced from 11 to 3 staff due to government layoffs, affecting rapid response capabilities.
- CDC workforce reduced by about 3,000 employees (roughly a quarter) since January 2025, including layoffs and buyouts.
- Nearly 7,000 people may have been sickened by cyclospora nationwide, with Michigan alone reporting over 4,300 cases.
- CDC is managing multiple public health crises simultaneously, including Ebola, measles, E. coli, and salmonella outbreaks.
- Cyclospora investigation is complex due to symptom delays and requires coordination between states and federal agencies.
- CDC claims its cyclospora response team remains dedicated and unaffected by reduction-in-force actions.