Many CDC Employees Would be Furloughed Under Federal Shutdown

would continue operating its emergency functions, even though many of its employees would be furloughed, in the event of a federal government shutdown.

“If we have a shutdown, there will be certain components of the CDC that would not be impacted,” according to an official spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which operates the facility, and who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “And those operations would be the ones that pertain to the safety of human life and protection of property.”

The CDC’s emergency operations center, which has been activated ever since the Japanese earthquake and tsuami, and will remain operational. And should other emergencies arise, “furloughed employees can be called in, if necessary,” the spokesperson said.

Immunization programs for children also will not be affected. “And we will be able to conduct outbreak investigations if needed,” the spokesman said. “We also have some animals here on site, that we work with, and we will provide ongoing care for them. All operations as they pertain to the physical security of this location will continue.”

What could be impacted, however, are consultations with physicians trying to diagnose complex infections and diseases. Physicians around the world often request CDC consultation when faced with unusual illnesses. They also request that the CDC analyze their medical and laboratory test results.

“Our ability to provide these consultations and testing requests may be delayed,” the spokesman said.