Some lab testing for rabies, Mpox and other infectious diseases are not available right now, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has temporarily paused certain testing, raising questions about access and timing for patients.
Federal officials have said the move is part of a routine review, and testing is still available through other channels. For patients needing these tests, it’s important to act quickly if exposure is suspected and to know where to go for care.
Health experts say that early action can be critical. They encourage people who believe they have been exposed to an infectious disease to contact a doctor or local health department right away. Rather than wait for symptoms to worsen. Many infections can be treated more effectively when caught early.
RELATED: Who is Dr. Erica G. Schwartz? Meet Trump’s New CDC Director Nominee
The CDC halted testing for more than two dozen diseases in late March as part of what officials described as a routine review of lab services. The Department of Health and Human Services said the goal is to ensure high-quality testing and improve operations.
“We anticipate some of these tests will be available through CDC labs again in the coming weeks,” Andrew Nixon of the Department of Health and Human Services told NBC News. “In the meantime, CDC stands ready to support our state and local partners to access the public health testing they need.”
Some tests may return in the coming weeks, though the full timeline is unclear right now.
Doctors say patients should focus on access, not delayed testing and treatment. Even with the federal pause, testing remains available in most communities.
Here are steps to take now:
For serious infections like rabies, timing is critical. Treatment often begins based on exposure risk rather than waiting for test results.
While CDC lab services are paused for certain tests, state public health labs and private companies continue to offer many diagnostics. Larger state labs and commercial providers can handle testing for viruses such as Mpox, as well as other common infections.
Testing at public health labs is often provided at low or no cost, depending on the situation. Private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid typically cover testing when a doctor determines it is necessary.
Local health departments can also help coordinate testing and direct patients to certified labs. Federal health officials said they are working with state partners to maintain access during the pause.
Some health experts opined that the scope of the pause is unusual. It affects more tests than in previous reviews, and the exact reasons remain unclear.
The pause also comes after staffing reductions at the CDC over the past year. Estimates suggest the agency’s workforce declined by 20 to 25 percent due to layoffs, retirements and other changes. And experts have said those cuts have affected multiple areas, including laboratory operations.
At the same time, the CDC has been reviewing its lab systems since the COVID-19 pandemic, when testing capacity and coordination faced criticism.
The pause does not mean testing has stopped nationwide, but it could create confusion for patients and providers, according to public health officials.
For individuals, the most important step is to stay informed and act quickly if needed. Knowing where to get tested and seeking care early can help prevent serious outcomes, especially for infections that can worsen rapidly.
Experts say the system still has safeguards in place through state labs, hospitals and private providers. But clear communication and quick action remain key while federal testing services are under review.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
