Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national public health institute in the United States. It focuses on protecting public health through disease control, prevention, and education.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The CDC monitors and investigates outbreaks of infectious diseases to prevent their spread.
It provides guidelines for healthcare professionals on how to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
The CDC conducts research to understand the epidemiology of various diseases and conditions.
It plays a critical role in emergency preparedness and response for public health threats.
The CDC collaborates with other international health organizations to improve global health security.
The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled within populations.
Public Health Surveillance: The continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data needed for planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice.