CDC Leadership Disarray Deepens as Second-in-Command Departs

Leadership turmoil at the top US public health agency intensified Monday, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s second-in-command stepped down less than a week after its third new director in the past year took the helm.

Ralph Abraham, principal deputy director at the Atlanta-based agency, left due to “unforeseen family obligations,” the CDC said Monday in a statement. He had drawn controversy because of his skepticism about vaccinations, his backing of unproven Covid treatments and his urging women to avoid Tylenol during pregnancy except when absolutely necessary. He was in the job for a little less ...