Recent Outbreaks and Incidents
This page provides information on selected public health emergency topics of recent public interest. For the latest news related to emergency preparedness and response, see the News page on this site.
Measles (January 1-April 25, 2008)
Measles, a highly contagious acute viral disease, can result in serious complications and death. During January 1-April 25, 2008, a total of 64 confirmed measles cases were preliminarily reported to CDC, the most reported by this date for any year since 2001.
Earthquakes (April 2008)
In April, a magnitude-4.7 earthquake hit the Reno, Nevada area and a magnitude-5.2 earthquake shook southern Illinois. By planning and practicing what to do in the event of an earthquake, you and your family can learn to react quickly and safely when the shaking begins.
Salmonella Agona (April 2008)
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in multiple states across the United States and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Agona infections.
Selenium (March 2008)
Recall of dietary supplements has brought attention to selenium, a naturally occurring trace mineral element found in rocks and soils. It is needed in small amounts for good health, but exposure to high levels can result in neurological effects, brittle hair, and deformed nails.
Tornadoes (March 2008)
Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family.
Floods (March 2008)
Facts to protect your health and safety.
Wildfires (March 2008)
Learn how to stay safe when wildfires are a threat.
Ricin (February 2008)
Ricin is made from the waste left over from processing castor beans, and can be extremely lethal. It has some potential medical uses, such as bone marrow transplants and cancer treatment (to kill cancer cells).
Satellite Fuel (February 2008)
Hydrazine is the rocket fuel found on the satellite that was destroyed February 20. Hydrazines are clear, colorless liquids with an ammonia-like odor. Hydrazines are used as rocket propellants and fuels, boiler water treatments, chemical reactants, medicines, and in cancer research.
School Violence (February 2008)
School shootings are sobering and tragic events that cause much concern about the safety of children. CDC has assembled a collection of resources on violence prevention to help parents, students, and school personnel cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
MDR Tuberculosis (December 2007)
CDC is currently working on an investigation involving an international traveler to the U.S. recently diagnosed with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB).- Earthquake (October 31, 2007)
A magnitude-5.6 tremor, centered about 9 miles northeast of San Jose, hit the San Francisco Bay area. CDC reminds you that by planning and practicing what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your family can learn to react correctly and automatically when the shaking begins. - Wildfires (October 2007)
Learn how to stay safe when wildfires are a threat. 
Salmonella (October 2007)
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in multiple states across the United States and with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections in humans.
E. coli (Septempter-October 2007)
Several state health departments, CDC, and the USDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. On September 29, USDA issued a notice to recall of 21.7 millions pounds of frozen ground beef patties. Learn more about what CDC is doing about this recent outbreak.
Anthrax (September 2007)
Recent anthrax cases linked to exposure to animal skins have spurred interest in how you can be exposed to anthrax
Avian Flu
Get the latest information about bird flu.
Page last modified May 1, 2008
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