What is the CDC?

• A. A private pharmaceutical company.
• B. A U.S. agency that works to prevent and control disease and protect public health.
• C. A medical journal.
• D. A hospital department.

Answer: (B)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the U.S. federal agency dedicated to preventing disease, protecting people's health, and responding to health threats. It operates under the Department of Health and Human Services and works with state, local, tribal, and international partners to monitor health trends, conduct research, develop guidelines, and coordinate outbreak responses. This role clearly distinguishes it from a private pharmaceutical company (which develops and sells drugs), a medical journal (which publishes scientific articles), or a hospital department (which provides clinical care within a hospital).