Which organization is primarily responsible for coordinating nationwide disease surveillance and outbreak response in the United States?

• A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• B. Health Resources and Services Administration
• C. National Institutes of Health
• D. Food and Drug Administration

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is which federal agency leads nationwide disease surveillance and outbreak response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the agency responsible for this role. It functions as the national public health institute, collecting and analyzing data from across the country, running surveillance systems, and issuing alerts and guidance. It coordinates with state and local health departments and, when needed, leads outbreak investigations with partners to control and prevent further spread.

HPRA focuses on expanding access to healthcare and strengthening the health workforce, NIH conducts biomedical research, and the FDA regulates safety of foods, drugs, and medical devices. These agencies contribute to health in important ways but do not serve as the central coordinator for nationwide disease surveillance and outbreak response.