CDC reassigns controversial head of chronic fatigue research

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_http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/02/05/cdc-reeves/_

(http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/02/05/cdc-reeves/)

CDC reassigns controversial head of chronic fatigue research

February 5, 2010 --

By JIM WALLS and KATE BENSON

The Atlanta-based CDC has reassigned its chief researcher into chronic

fatigue syndrome, a longtime target of scientific organizations and patient

advocacy groups around the country.

Researchers in Nevada last fall _reported a strong correlation_

(http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=chronic-fatigue-syndrome-retro\

virus)

between chronic fatigue syndrome and XMRV, a retrovirus related to the

one that causes AIDS. The potential breakthrough has excited the 1 million or

so Americans with CFS who are looking for treatment.

The CDC’s research program, led by Dr. C. Reeves, had no role in

that study, and Reeves was dismissive of its findings. Critics said that was

because the agency had wasted $100 million on looking for a possible

psychological explanation for CFS and dismissing outside research that looked

for a viral cause.

Finally, last fall, a CFS Advisory Committee _called on Health and Human

Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius_

(http://www.hhs.gov/advcomcfs/recommendations/10302009.html) to install

“progressive leadership†to direct CDC’s

efforts to find a cause and cure for the disease. The panel did not

identify Reeves as the obstacle, but minutes show the committee had discussed

whether to name him.

The International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a 500-member

group of medical professionals, has repeatedly challenged CDC’s focus and its

new five-year plan for CFS research. Its president, psychologist Fred

Friedberg, testified in October:

“After 25 years (and over $100 million) of CDC research, chronic fatigue

syndrome remains a stigmatized illness without substantive progress on public

health policy or objective diagnosis and treatment. And their new

five-year, $25 million plan fails to inspire any confidence that change will

occur.

â€

CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said today he had “no direct knowledge†of the

reasons behind Reeves’ reassignment, other than the agency’s belief that

his expertise was “a good fit†for his new role.

“As far as his salary goes, it’s a lateral move for him,†Skinner said.

Starting Feb. 14, Reeves will be senior advisor for a new mental health

surveillance program that will explore how various diseases and conditions

affect mental health. Virologist and cancer researcher Dr. R. Unger

becomes director of the Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB), which

includes the CFS program, on an interim basis.

“Looking for a permanent director will commence as soon as possible,â€

Skinner said.

The transfer comes on the heels of _the CDC’s reassignment_

(http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/01/26/senior-cdc-official-reassigned-in-w\

ake-of-congr

essional-inquiries/) last month of Dr. Frumkin, who had run the

CDC division that deal with public health problems associated with

formaldehyde contamination in trailers provided to victims of Hurricane

Katrina.

Frumkin became a special assistant to the CDC’s director of Climate Change

and

Public Health.

CFIDS Association _applauded the leadership change_

(http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2010/020303.asp) in the CDC’s research into

the disease:

“The CFIDS Association of America, other organizations and advocates have

vocally supported new program leadership to effect a more robust research

effort at CDC. This staffing change has the potential to significantly

advance CFS research beyond the agency’s intramural program and to seize

scientific momentum generated by recent discoveries.â€