CDC scientists failed to win approval for an urgent pregnancy-related measles alert
CDC scientists sought an urgent alert for doctors about measles risks during pregnancy as U.S. cases surged, but a notice submitted through a rapid communication system was not approved, The Washington Post reported, citing five people familiar with discussions. Scientists’ efforts to get the information to clinicians continue, while its timing and publication venue remain uncertain.
More context
According to five people familiar with the discussions, the Washington Post reported that CDC scientists’ bid for an urgent pregnancy-related measles alert failed to win approval. The scientists had first sought to send the information through a rapid communications system used by clinicians, public health professionals and others, after states requested it. They then began preparing a report for the CDC’s flagship weekly scientific publication, the MMWR, which requires extensive internal review. Discussions have since turned to publishing in an outside scientific journal to reduce the risk of political interference or further delays. The timing and venue remain uncertain. The need is pressing, the report said: unvaccinated women of childbearing age are contracting measles for the first time, and few clinicians have experience recognizing or treating the disease.
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Reporting
- The Washington Post — CDC scientists sought urgent alert on measles in pregnancy. It wasn’t approved. - The Washington Post
- @bylenasun on X — LenaSun on X: "NEW: Federal health scientists are trying to alert doctors to risks of measles during pregnancy as U.S. cases surge, but how quickly that info will reach clinicians — and where it will be published — remains uncertain amid internal conflict. My story. 1/5 https://t.co/v6rZzyj6E0" / X
Verifier’s note
The Washington Post reports that CDC scientists’ urgent alert on measles risks during pregnancy was not approved. Lena Sun’s X thread reiterates that claim and adds detail, but is not a separate independent report.