Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: public health based on science and data

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are a U.S. public service organization that defines itself as the nation's leading science-based, data-driven entity dedicated to protecting the public's health. According to its own presentation, it works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S.

Health topics and prevention

The site organizes its information into a broad catalog of health topics, including adult vaccinations, Alzheimer's disease, COVID-19, diabetes, flu, H5 bird flu, handwashing, hantavirus, healthy weight, high blood pressure, Lyme disease, measles, overdose prevention, preventing dengue, quit smoking, respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV), strep throat, and travelers' health. It also maintains an A-Z index to find diseases and conditions, healthy living, workplace safety, environmental health, injury, violence and safety, global health, and travelers' health.

Outbreaks and health alerts

The entity publishes updated information on outbreaks, with examples such as Salmonella outbreaks linked to broccoli sprouts and alfalfa sprouts, E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks, the Ebola outbreak, Salmonella outbreaks linked to turtles, jalapeños, and backyard poultry, and the 2025 measles outbreak. It also offers Ebola travel updates.

Scientific publications

The CDC publishes several scientific journals. MMWR is a weekly epidemiological digest that provides timely, reliable, objective, and useful public health information. EID is a monthly peer-reviewed journal covering infectious diseases with emphasis on disease prevention, control, and elimination. PCD is a peer-reviewed journal covering research, public health findings, innovations, and practices on chronic diseases.

Science and communication

The agency notes that it translates science into practical, easy to understand policy by clarifying and presenting scientific language so that anyone can understand it, and standardizing guideline development across the agency.

Structure and institutional resources

The site gathers information on leadership, organization, publications, the advisory committee to the director, the speakers bureau, and organizational charts. It also includes the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, the newsroom, the CDC-INFO service for the public, healthcare providers, and public health professionals, as well as the CDC Foundation, a non-profit organization authorized by Congress to support CDC's mission. There is also the option to sign up for email updates.