You’ve probably heard a lot about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  But you may not know all the information you can find on the CDC's website.

The CDC   is a resource for people interested in health and safety.

Disease prevention really starts with people. People catch and can spread infectious diseases. People get vaccines to avoid catching and spreading disease. People report health events that the CDC tracks to find issues and trends.

The CDC website can be a great source for the latest information on a wide range of public health related topics, such as:

• The latest food recalls. The CDC  keeps a up to date list.
• Extra shots you might need before going out of the country. The CDC can tell you what you need for any place around the world.
• If your house might pose a risk for lead poisoning. The CDC has details.
• The latest stats about distracted driving. Check the CDC  website.

The CDC was founded more than 70 years ago to stop the spread of malaria across the country. In the years since, it has helped fight other mosquito-borne viruses, such as the Zika virus outbreak.

But the CDC focuses on much more. The CDC  managed the treatment of health care workers who caught Ebola. The CDC handles most health protection and promotion issues. Parts of their role:

• Finding and responding to new health threats
• Tackling the biggest health problems causing death and disability
• Using science and technology to prevent disease
• Promoting healthy and safe actions and communities
• Building leaders and training the public health workforce

Originally published April 8, 2016; Revised 2020