Definition of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The US agency charged with tracking and investigating public health trends. The stated mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly called the CDC, is "To promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability."

A part of the U.S. Public Health Services (PHS) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the CDC is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. As of 2000, the CDC had approximately 7,800 employees in 170 occupations. They were working in:

• CDC facilities in the US in:
  • Anchorage, Alaska
  • Atlanta
  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Morgantown, West Virginia
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Spokane, Washington and
  • The Washington, D.C. area
• Other countries
• Quarantine offices and
• State and local health agencies.

The CDC publishes key health information including weekly data on all deaths and diseases reported in the United States ("Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report") and travelers' health advisories.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
• High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
• Heart Attack - Overview on heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart attack symptoms including jaw pain, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, sweating, and more.

Read more Prevention related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Study: ER Patients Wait Too Long for Care
• Doctors May Be Able to Predict Domestic Abuse
• Workplace Wellness Seems to Really Work
• Autumn Chores Often Hazardous