For more than half a century, the CDC has been working 24/7 to prevent and control diseases, injuries, disabilities, workplace hazards, and other public health problems associated with natural disasters and bioterrorism attacks. A global leader in public health research and investigations, CDC's work creates programs that improve health and reduce negative economic consequences.
For many children, summer means spending weeks or months at camp. Though summer camp can be a great place for kids or young adults to learn new skills, make friends, and participate in outdoor activities, camp can also provide the perfect environment for spreading germs.
Summer allows more time for children to play outdoors, but when kids are covered with bug bites after spending time outside, parents may start to worry about disease spread by ticks, such as Lyme disease, or by mosquitoes, such as West Nile virus. Luckily, parents can take simple steps to prevent bites and diseases spread by bugs.
The CDC plays a vital role in America's security, vigilantly standing guard 24/7 against bioterrorist threats, disease outbreaks, and environmental hazards. In addition to directly responding, CDC contributes by building and supporting a strong public health system around our country that can respond quickly to emerging threats.
Every July 4th, Americans celebrate their independence. Commemorate this 4th of July by declaring freedom from nicotine addiction. Or encourage the smokers in your life to declare their freedom from cigarettes.
This year, thank a parent who recently quit smoking. An estimated 20 percent of adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, and 7 out of 10 of them want to quit. Some adults who have quit smoking are parents, and their efforts to become smoke-free have made them role models for their children as well as other smokers in their families and communities.
Cook-outs and picnics are great ways to share quality time with friends and family. However, it's important to know that ready-to-eat hot dogs, lunch meats, and cold cuts may not be safe for certain groups of people. These and certain other foods can be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria, which causes listeriosis, a serious disease that primarily affects older adults, adults with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.
Summer is a great time for cook-outs and picnics. However, it's important to know that ready-to-eat hot dogs, lunch meats, and cold cuts may not be safe for certain groups of people. These and certain other foods can be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria, which causes listeriosis, a serious disease that primarily affects older adults, adults with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.
Virginia Ortiz had no idea that the two African dwarf frogs in her great aunt's aquarium could carry Salmonella bacteria, a germ that can cause serious illness in people. If she had, she would not have stored her 4-month-old baby's bottles next to the kitchen sink where the water frogs' aquarium was cleaned. Virginia knew something was seriously wrong when her usually lively baby, Willie, could not hold his head up and was "pooping red stuff." She rushed Willie to the hospital, a decision she would later find out probably saved his life.
World Malaria Day is observed around the world each April 25 to raise awareness about the impact of this serious, sometimes deadly disease. World Malaria Day rightly seeks to draw attention to the thousands of people at greatest risk for malaria, children and pregnant women who live in malarious areas of the world.
