CDC director tests positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms
ATLANTA — The director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tested positive for a coronavirus infection.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who is up to date on her vaccinations, tested positive Friday night and had mild COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC said in a statement.
“Consistent with CDC guidelines, she is isolating at home and will participate in her planned meetings virtually,” the agency said.
Senior staff and close contacts have been informed of her positive test and are monitoring their health.
Infectious disease control may be in CDC’s DNA, but the agency’s capabilities have not evolved to keep up with the faster speed and higher stakes of germs in the modern world.
Walensky, who took over the CDC in January 2021 after being appointed by President Biden, is the latest U.S. health official to test positive for COVID-19.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of America’s pandemic response, and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra both tested positive in June.
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