DOGE Cuts Blamed for Worsening Cyclospora Diarrhea Outbreak in U.S.

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing parasite, has sickened thousands across more than two-thirds of U.S. states. The article argues that cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under President Trump, significantly weakened the CDC's ability to respond. The CDC's cyclospora lab was downsized from 11 to 3 staff. Additionally, in July 2025, the CDC under Health Secretary RFK Jr. changed cyclospora monitoring from mandatory to optional in the Foodnet surveillance system. The White House press secretary claimed the cuts did not impact the outbreak response, a claim the article disputes. The outbreak has been nicknamed 'the DOGE shits' on social media.

First published Aug 4, 01:59 PM UTCUpdated Jul 17, 03:45 PM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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Opened from WirecurrentJul 17, 03:45 PM UTC

DOGE Cuts Blamed for Worsening Cyclospora Diarrhea Outbreak in U.S.

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DOGE Cuts Blamed for Worsening Cyclospora Diarrhea Outbreak in U.S.The New RepublicWesternJul 17, 03:45 PM UTC

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Donald Trump Elon Musk Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention United States CDC