How does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gather and share disease information?

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Polio vaccine — public health A health care worker giving a polio vaccine to a child in Katsina state, Nigeria, 2014.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) functions as a primary agency for disease surveillance and public health information in the United States.

The agency gathers information by consolidating data related to infectious diseases, health statistics, and environmental health. By serving as a central hub for epidemiological research, the CDC integrates findings from various health programs and studies to monitor disease trends and preparedness needs.1

To share this information, the CDC acts as a vital resource for both the public and medical professionals. It disseminates findings through:

Publications: The agency produces specialized reports and literature on epidemiology to inform the scientific community.1
Health Education: It provides accessible health information to the general public to promote disease prevention and environmental health.1
Professional Guidance: The agency offers direct support and data to health care professionals to assist in clinical decision-making and public health interventions.1

By maintaining these channels, the CDC ensures that critical health data is translated into actionable knowledge for the nation.1