Correct Response: C. The mission statement for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the CDC "serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and health education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States." Part of this role includes controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. This puts the CDC in the position of being able to help identify the cause of and treatment for the flu-like symptoms in this community. The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (A) regulates over-the-counter and prescription drugs and health care products, helping to ensure that these products are available and safe for the American public to use. Tracking and preventing disease is not a primary mission of this organization. The American Medical Association (B) is a professional organization for physicians whose goal is to "promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health." Likewise, the American Pharmacists Association (D) is a professional organization of pharmacists whose mission is to "improve medicine use and advance patient care." Although both organizations consist of health care professionals, neither is as well- equipped as the CDC is to investigate and help treat an ongoing infectious disease outbreak.
