Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the world’s leading public health institute and is dedicated to protecting public health and safety. Its primary mission is to prevent and control infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, injury prevention, developmental disabilities, test and treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and other related public health issues. The CDC is the leading national center responsible for monitoring and managing the spread of diseases and other health threats. It strives to detect, investigate and prevent diseases, as well as to provide information and direct health services to all parts of the United States. The CDC works to control a wide variety of infectious and chronic diseases. It has the authority to respond to emerging health threats, and it can manage the containment and control of massive epidemics. It also conducts and supports research into the causes, prevention and treatments for a wide range of diseases, including seasonal influenza, foodborne illnesses, and vaccine-preventable diseases. To this end, the CDC works closely with state and local health departments, corporations, international agencies, research organizations, and communities. The CDC also works to prevent injury and disability caused by exposure to environmental hazards. Through air and water pollution controls, public health education, and enforcement of regulations and standards, the CDC helps protect citizens from environmental issues such as lead exposure, water and food contamination, and infectious diseases carried by animals. The CDC also works to prevent and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. As part of its mission to protect against environmental and infectious diseases, the CDC leads the nation's response to any major bioterrorism attack or outbreak of an infectious diseases.