What is the primary function of the CDC?

What is the primary function of the CDC?

• A. To regulate food safety standards
• B. To investigate outbreaks of and control various diseases
• C. To provide emergency medical services
• D. To issue pharmaceutical licenses

Answer: (B)

The primary function of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to investigate outbreaks of and control various diseases. This involves monitoring public health, identifying potential health threats, and implementing disease prevention strategies. The CDC conducts research on infectious diseases and epidemiology and works to develop protocols and recommendations to mitigate the spread of diseases. Their role is crucial in responding to health emergencies, guiding public health policy, and educating the public about health issues. While regulating food safety standards and issuing pharmaceutical licenses are important public health functions, these are primarily managed by other agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture. The CDC does not provide emergency medical services; this function typically falls within the realm of local and state health departments or emergency response organizations. Thus, the focus of the CDC remains on disease control and prevention, making the selection of its primary function clear.

The primary function of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to investigate outbreaks of and control various diseases. This involves monitoring public health, identifying potential health threats, and implementing disease prevention strategies. The CDC conducts research on infectious diseases and epidemiology and works to develop protocols and recommendations to mitigate the spread of diseases. Their role is crucial in responding to health emergencies, guiding public health policy, and educating the public about health issues.

While regulating food safety standards and issuing pharmaceutical licenses are important public health functions, these are primarily managed by other agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture. The CDC does not provide emergency medical services; this function typically falls within the realm of local and state health departments or emergency response organizations. Thus, the focus of the CDC remains on disease control and prevention, making the selection of its primary function clear.