WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dr. Jay Bhattacharya addressed multiple public health challenges during a television interview on August 9, 2026, outlining federal responses to foodborne illness outbreaks and the resurgence of measles. The National Institutes of Health Director, who is serving as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention until a new director is sworn in, emphasized vaccination and agency intervention as his interim tenure nears its scheduled end on August 12, 2026.

Bhattacharya detailed the scope of ongoing food safety issues, noting that a cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Mexico has affected 15 U.S. states. He stated that the situation exceeds typical seasonal patterns. "The cyclospora outbreak is larger than in normal years," Bhattacharya said. Two deaths occurred in late June and early July 2026 due to the cyclospora outbreak before the source was identified.

Federal agencies are coordinating efforts to contain the spread of these illnesses through supply chain interventions. "The CDC and the FDA are working hard to trace back exactly where these outbreaks are occurring from, intervening with the suppliers to make sure that they don't and doing recalls to make sure that the condition doesn't spread," Bhattacharya said. He offered specific guidance for consumers concerned about produce safety during this period.

"If you're worried, you can buy the lettuce, but make sure you wash it carefully. You don't eat outer leaves. And if you're really worried, just cook your vegetables," he added.

Additional food safety alerts have been issued across other sectors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an alert on August 8, 2026, for products potentially containing salmonella, including meat and poultry. A separate salmonella outbreak possibly linked to jalapeños, cilantro, red onion, and avocado has affected 27 U.S. states. Albertsons recalled items due to a risk of salmonella in eggs in Texas, while a screwworm outbreak is affecting beef supplies.

The acting director also addressed the measles landscape, which has seen case numbers reach their highest level in 35 years according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination coverage remains below recommended levels in most of the country, with only 10 U.S. states having measles vaccine coverage rates above the 95% threshold in the prior school year. Internationally, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom have lost their measles elimination status.

Bhattacharya referenced his early actions in the role, pointing to a successful containment effort in the Southeast. "One of the first things I did as CDC director.. was that there was a big outbreak in South Carolina, and I went on camera and I recommended that the best way to end the measles outbreak there was to have their parents vaccinate their kids for measles," he said.

In February 2026, Bhattacharya had recommended vaccination to end that measles outbreak in South Carolina. The measles outbreak in South Carolina has since ended.

Similar progress has been reported in other regions, with measles outbreaks in Texas, Arizona, Utah, and South Carolina having been addressed. A measles outbreak in Virginia is decreasing sharply.

The interview also touched on the security environment at the agency, marking one year since Officer David Rose was killed while protecting CDC employees from a gunman motivated by misinformation about the COVID vaccine. Rose was a United States Marine combat veteran who had graduated from the police academy five months before his death. The shooter fired over 100 bullets into the windows of the CDC headquarters during the 2025-08 attack. Rose left behind three children.

In recognition of his service, the street leading into the CDC headquarters has been renamed after Officer David Rose. Bhattacharya reflected on the personal impact of the loss on the agency community. "I got to talk with Officer Rose's wife a few months back," he said.

Why It Matters

With measles cases reaching a 35-year high and vaccination coverage below recommended levels in most states, the loss of elimination status in neighboring countries increases domestic transmission risks. Simultaneously, foodborne illness outbreaks affecting dozens of states exceed typical seasonal patterns, resulting in deaths and widespread supply chain interventions. These converging public health challenges are occurring as federal leadership transitions following the scheduled end of the acting CDC director's tenure.