Category: infectious disease

Yellow Fever Vaccination Response

In December 2015, a yellow fever outbreak started in Angola and quickly spread within the country and to its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Laboratory testing confirmed 962 cases, but there were thousands of suspected cases, making this the largest reported outbreak in 30 years. A critical aspect to yellow fever outbreak response Read More >

Posted on by Kimberley Fox, MD, MPH, Immunizations Systems Branch Chief, Global Immunization Division1 CommentTags , , , , ,

Two Vaccines for One Polio-free World

Great fingermarks Mackenzie Andre Niger 2014

Polio was once considered one of the most frightening diseases in the world until a team led by Dr. Jonas Salk developed the first successful polio vaccine. World Polio Day, held every October 24 to celebrate Salk’s birthday, is an opportunity for everyone working to eradicate polio to renew their commitment to creating a polio-free Read More >

Posted on by Lee Hampton, MD, Medical Officer, Vaccine Introduction Team, Global Immunization Division6 CommentsTags , , , ,

Helsinki, Finland – The Next Step in Accelerating Global Health Security

CDC Director Tom Frieden opens the February 13 Global Health Security Launch Event hosted by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

When senior leaders from more than 30 countries and 4 international organizations converge on Helsinki on May 5th for two days of intensive discussion, the over-arching topic will be one that is closely associated with Finland’s capital city – security. But this time, unlike 1975 when Helsinki hosted the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Read More >

Posted on by CAPT (USPHS) Eric Kasowski, DVM, MD, MPH – Chief, CDC Global Health Security BranchTags , , , , ,

Vaccination: Your best shot

World Immunization Week Banner

In 2002, I was in Maracaibo, Venezuela assisting with the investigation of the last measles outbreak in South America when the news arrived: Ministers of health from the region agreed that a synchronized week of vaccination in the hemisphere would help prevent future outbreaks and increase access to immunization for many who would miss this Read More >

Posted on by Carla Lee, MA, Public Health Advisor, CDC Global Immunization DivisionTags , , , , , ,