NIH chief discusses foodborne outbreaks, measles vaccination and rebuilding public trust

In a televised interview, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said the CDC and FDA are actively tracing the cyclospora outbreak tied to Mexican iceberg lettuce and a broad salmonella alert that spans many states, with product recalls already in effect. He warned consumers to wash or cook vegetables if concerned. Addressing the measles resurgence, Bhattacharya pointed to low vaccine coverage in several states and credited a focused vaccination push that ended the South Carolina outbreak.

He also commemorated Officer David Rose, a Marine-turned-police officer killed while defending CDC employees, and called for renewed public trust in health agencies. Bhattacharya criticized past pandemic communication that eroded confidence and urged clear, science-based messaging. He affirmed his personal support for routine childhood vaccines and the importance of keeping children in school.