The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been severely weakened by layoffs and resignations under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., losing 30% of its staff by May 2026. Former scientists report the agency is now tightly controlled, with entire divisions shuttered and key centers gutted, including those for chronic diseases and birth defects.

Despite focus on autism and chronic illness, the CDC’s chronic disease and birth defect centers are at half capacity. Infectious disease centers managing Ebola and hantavirus have lost nearly 300 employees, and the respiratory disease center has lost 200. Only one of 11 center directors remains; most are acting directors promoted from lower levels.

The CDC struggles to respond to measles and Ebola outbreaks, issue vaccination guidance, or coordinate with state health departments. Leadership vacuum and restricted communication with Congress, WHO, and media have crippled operations. Travel approvals are delayed, and basic maintenance has halted. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis described it as a 'zombified' agency—structurally intact but functionally broken.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to inquiries but stated the CDC continues to protect public health and promote vaccination.