The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has significantly reduced its public communication efforts, leaving experts warning that this could compromise American health. Since January 2025, the agency has largely stopped sharing updates on emerging diseases and outbreaks through newsletters, social media channels, and health alerts.
Historically, the CDC shared critical information with medical professionals and the public to address chronic conditions, outbreaks, and new diseases. However, the agency’s main social media channels now reach fewer followers than before, with less than half of submitted posts being authorized for public release due to new HHS oversight requirements.
The constraints on communication coincide with federal staff layoffs that have severely impacted the CDC’s communications division. This has resulted in limited direct outreach to the public and raised concerns about delayed awareness and response during health threats.
Experts emphasize that quick, transparent information is crucial for protecting public health, especially during emerging emergencies. With the agency’s primary mission of providing critical science and health information at risk, experts warn that the US public health system may be compromised if the CDC fails to regain its communication momentum.
Source: https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/news/cdc-communication-channels-go-silent-raising-health-risk-concerns/170592