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Public health outbreaks worsen
Funding cuts have exacerbated disease outbreaks.
This summer, five states—including hard-hit Michigan—experienced one of the largest outbreaks of cyclospora, a parasite that causes weeks of “explosive” and watery diarrhea.
Public health officials said tracking was slowed by a lack of resources, following an $11.4 billion cut to state and local health departments and reduced coordination on foodborne illnesses.
The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, but officials warn it could continue through August.
Meanwhile, the U. S.
is on track for another record year of measles cases in 2026, and some officials fear losing the country's measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.
The spread of new world screwworm, a parasitic fly harmful to livestock and wildlife, has also raised alarm.
Former officials told Politico that Trump's federal spending reviews delayed funding for a key facility and a $100 million research initiative to slow the insect's advance.
“We’ve already seen what happens when Donald Trump’s political appointees are put in charge of health and science funding – disaster ensues,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action.
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“All of this was preventable – but it’s no surprise that Americans are getting sicker as Republicans continue to halt research and cut billions in funding for critical programs.”
