The Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Maryland, a key NIH facility studying high-consequence infectious diseases like Ebola, Lassa fever, and SARS-CoV-2, has been ordered to cease all experimental work.
The order, stemming from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cites "personnel issues involving contract staff that compromised the facility’s safety culture." Specific details about these issues remain undisclosed. The halt is also part of a wider restructuring plan within HHS, involving significant job losses.
The research pause impacts numerous ongoing studies and involves the temporary closure of high-level biosafety labs (BSL-4). Experts warn of significant research setbacks and increased costs to resume operations later. The facility's director has also been placed on administrative leave.
This action is linked to a larger restructuring effort within HHS under the Trump administration, involving the potential loss of 10,000 jobs across various federal health agencies.