The Trump administration prohibits researchers from communicating with the WHO about Hantavirus

The Trump administration imposed restrictions on researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), prohibiting them from communicating directly with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding Hantavirus outbreaks, according to CNN.

This directive was in effect during an outbreak that affected American citizens. Although communication has been relaxed recently, officials can only participate in small group virtual meetings and are permitted to listen, without being able to act afterwards without the approval of the Department of Health and Human Services. These restrictions have been criticized for hindering rapid cooperation with international experts and are considered unprecedented.

The measures are part of a broader strategy of the Trump administration, which led to the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO in January. Additionally, several U.S. health agencies have interim leaders, creating a leadership vacuum in the field of public health.