After initially closing its viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted disease laboratories, the CDC rescinds staff terminations, preserving vital disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.
Updated News; June 17, 2025: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reversed layoffs affecting staff at its sexually transmitted disease (STD) and viral hepatitis laboratories, which had been scheduled for closure. Approximately 55 employees at these labs were initially terminated but later notified that their dismissals were rescinded. This reversal is part of a larger rollback involving around 450 CDC workers.1
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that the changes aim to protect essential services while streamlining operations. CDC leadership and lab staff were not initially informed of the reversal through official channels. Staff remain uncertain about future funding and work conditions, as access to CDC facilities and systems has yet to be restored.1
The two labs play critical roles in monitoring and controlling infections, including antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea and hepatitis B and C. Experts in infectious diseases have expressed relief at the decision, highlighting the labs’ importance to public health and ongoing disease surveillance.1
Some employees have moved on to other jobs, and the situation has caused significant distress among CDC staff affected by the layoffs. The CDC currently lacks a confirmed director.1
April 1, 2025: The closure of the CDC's hepatitis laboratory affected the United States' ability to manage hepatitis outbreaks and prevent further transmission of viral hepatitis. The lab, part of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, was essential for testing, surveillance, and monitoring hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Without this lab, the US now faces challenges in assessing the scope of hepatitis infections, identifying sources of outbreaks, and taking timely action to stop transmission.2
Hepatitis B and C continue to pose significant public health risks. An estimated 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, and 2.4 million are chronically infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine, and hepatitis C is curable with direct-acting antivirals. Although, the inability to effectively track these infections limits the country's ability to control and ultimately eliminate these diseases.2
The CDC reversed layoffs and saved its viral hepatitis and STI labs, preserving critical public health surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.
Staff face ongoing uncertainty about funding, working conditions, and access to CDC facilities despite the reinstatement.
Promising new research on statins for hepatitis B prevention highlights the need to maintain strong surveillance and prevention efforts.
The loss of the CDC's hepatitis lab has disrupted key functions, including:2
Amid the challenges posed by the CDC lab closure, new research continues to emerge that could offer innovative approaches to hepatitis prevention. One area of research involves the use of statins, HMGCR inhibitors, currently used to manage cholesterol levels. A recent Mendelian randomization study published in Scientific Reports suggests that statins could have a potential protective effect against chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study found that genetic proxies for HMGCR inhibitors were significantly associated with a lower risk of CHB and myocardial infarction (P < .05). Among the 168 metabolites studied, citrate was identified as a key mediator of this effect.3
This study opens the possibility of using statins as a preventive tool for hepatitis B, particularly in high-risk populations such as people living with HIV, who face increased liver-related complications. Further testing is needed to understand the clinical implications and establish statins as a viable prevention method for HBV.3
The CDC has long been a leader in managing hepatitis B and C, particularly through its guidelines focused on prevention, screening, and treatment. For individuals with HIV, who are at an elevated risk for HBV co-infection, the CDC recommends:4
Although, without the CDC hepatitis lab, these efforts face significant hurdles. Surveillance is critical for identifying outbreak trends and understanding the full scope of hepatitis infections. Without reliable data from the lab, it's challenging to implement effective public health responses and monitor progress.
While statins show promise in the prevention of hepatitis B, especially in high-risk populations, the closure of the CDC’s hepatitis laboratory highlights the role of strong surveillance systems in managing hepatitis. The loss of this lab disrupts the ability to track and measure hepatitis infections across the nation, hampering efforts to eliminate hepatitis C and improve outcomes for those with chronic hepatitis B.
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