“State and local health partners, along with the public, should expect delays in CDC’s ability to identify and respond to outbreaks. Federal funds cover a significant part of state and local health department budgets, including paying for some staff members. Traces of the mpox virus have been found in US wastewater, and hurricane season threatens public health in coastal US cities. “We can’t have the federal government shut down when it plays a critical role in our public health system,” she said. “We can’t have our federal government resources just go silent on us.”Some states or local health departments may be able to continue with relatively few disruptions.