CDC Timeline

Take a minute to review many of CDC’s momentous contributions to public

health since it was organized in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center.
1940s
1946
July 1, Malaria Control in War Areasexternal icon, a program within the U.S.
Public Health Service, transitions into the Communicable Disease Center (CDC)
CDC stations the Laboratory Division at the Lawson Veterans Administration
Hospital in Chamblee, Georgia
1947
CDC acquires the U.S. Public Health Service Plague Suppressive Laboratory
which includes an epidemiology division
Emory University deeds 15 acres of land to the Federal Government for the
development of CDC headquarters on Clifton Road in Atlanta, Georgia
CDC establishes the Veterinary Public Health Division, focusing on protecting
and improving both animal and human health
CDC offers disaster aid in response to multiple chemical explosions in Texas
City, Texas. Subsequently, CDC is designated as the official response agency for
future epidemics and disasters
CDC begins a five-year study on what role flies have in the spread and
transmission of poliomyelitis
CDC is transferred from the State Relations Division and established as a field
station under the immediate direction of the Chief of the Bureau of State Services
of the U.S. Public Health Service
1948
Rabies investigation activities are conducted at the Virus & Rickettsia Laboratory
in Montgomery, Alabama
CDC assists the Imperial Iranian Government in planning and establishing a
national malaria control program
CDC conducts first training courses in Laboratory Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and
Mycotic Diseases
CDC investigations expand to include, typhus, dysentery-diarrheal, fly control-
poliomyelitis, viral encephalitis, plague, Q fever, brucellosis, creeping eruption,
rabies, histoplasmosis, insecticides, and rodenticides
1949
The Production Division is renamed the Audio-Visual Production Division,
producing more than 50 health films for field training
CDC’s Reference Diagnostic Service Center becomes available to all public
health laboratories. Practicing physicians who have hard-to-identify specimens
submit through their health departments
CDC becomes a division of the Bureau of State Services of the U.S. Public
Health Service, primarily concerned with assisting state health authorities
The United States is declared free of malaria as a significant public health
problem
Last case of naturally-occurring smallpox is reported in the United States
1950s
1950
A team of CDC physicians, engineers, and entomologists is sent to Southeast
Asia to assist in developing malaria control programs and public health programs
as part of an overall technical and economic assistance program
CDC begins to withdraw from active participation in the operational phases of the
National Malaria Eradication Program and discontinues the Malaria Control
Residual Spray Program, shifting interest to surveillance, supporting training
programs, consultation and research studies with the states
A committee on air-borne disease studies is established, with emphasis on
sampling techniques and devices adaptable to biological warfare defense
1951
Malaria is considered eliminated from the United States
The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is established, recognizing the need for
an adequate corps of trained epidemiologists who can be deployed immediately
for any contingency, including chemical or biological warfare
CDC begins a program to study public health insect problems connected with
water resource development
Two field stations are established: one to study the effect of economic poisons
(pesticides) on humans, and the other to study tropical diseases
1952
The Epidemic Intelligence Service participates in 205 outbreaks including
involvement in a lead paint investigation, marking the first time an EIS officer
specialized in a noninfectious disease
Reorganization of the CDC reduces the number of branches into five well-defined
spheres of activity: Epidemiology, Training, Technology, Laboratory, and
Administrative
1953
CDC reports first case of rabies in a bat
The Communicable Disease Center National Surveillance Program is developed
to maintain constant vigilance over communicable diseases, to respond
immediately when an outbreak occurs
Twenty EIS officers collaborated in the National Program for the Evaluation of
Gamma Globulin in the Prophylaxis of Poliomyelitisexternal icon
The U.S. Public Health Service becomes part of the newly created Cabinet-level
Department of Health, Education and Welfare after the Federal Security Agency
is dissolved
First EIS investigations on environmental exposure to trichloroethylene and
occupational exposure
1954
National Rabies Control Activities Unit is established, providing a coordinated
program for all aspects of the disease
The EIS is expanded to include other professional disciplines besides medicine
1955
During the national polio immunization program, EIS officers trace 260 polio
cases to improper vaccine production methods. As a result, the CDC establishes
the Polio Surveillance Program
CDC gains worldwide recognition for the quality and quantity of its contributions
to the taxonomy of the Enterobacteriaceae, a family of germs that is difficult to
treat because of its resistance to antibiotics
The Senate subcommittee on Public Works approves construction of the new
CDC Clifton Road Facility in Atlanta, Georgia
1956
The first practical use for the fluorescent antibody technique is utilized in the
CDC laboratories to research communicable diseases of bacterial origin
1957
An influenza pandemic emerges in Hong Kong with millions of cases and
thousands of deaths. CDC quickly sets up an influenza surveillance unit, a joint
operation of the Epidemiology and Laboratory Branches
National guidelines for an influenza vaccine are developed
The Venereal Disease Division is transferred from the U.S. Public Health Service
to CDC, bringing two important innovations to CDC’s activities: a grant program
and a new kind of employee, public health advisors
The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) blood test for syphilis is developed at Venereal
Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) on the Chamblee campus. It is both a fast
and accurate serologic test for syphilis
1958
Epidemics of cholera and smallpox prompt the International Cooperation
Administration (ICA) to send a CDC team of EIS officers to East Pakistan (now
Bangladesh) to conduct an epidemiological study and to give epidemic aid
CDC investigates the first recorded epidemic of inhalation anthrax in the 20th
century at a goat hair processing plant
CDC participates in a cooperative program to develop accurate, standard
cholesterol measurement procedures. From this research the Cholesterol
Standardization Program is developed
1959
A fluorescent antibody test is developed for rabies and field trials demonstrate
100 percent accuracy
A Staphylococcus Surveillance Unit is established to coordinate information,
compile references and review directives and reports on hospital-acquired
infections
The Standard New Jersey light trap is modified to create a lightweight and
portable mosquito trap to collect samples in swamps and remote areas where
electricity is not available
1960s
1960
The Tuberculosis Program transfers from the U.S. Public Health Service to CDC.
The Tuberculosis Laboratory was already in Atlanta at Lawson General Hospital,
having moved there several years earlier
The first National Health Examination Survey is conducted to collect data on the
total prevalence of certain chronic diseases as well as the population distribution
of various physical and physiological measures
CDC opens new permanent headquarters buildings in Atlanta, Georgia
1961
CDC takes over publication of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
from the National Office of Vital Statistics. MMWR is a weekly publication,
containing a few short narrative reports and the weekly morbidity and mortality
tables. It also publishes the annual “Summary of Notifiable Diseases”
A field station to study fungal and viral diseases is established in Kansas City,
Kansas
An investigation into a cancer cluster expands CDC’s reach into chronic diseases
1962
CDC’s Audiovisual Training Branch changes its name to the National Medical
Audiovisual Facility, establishing it as the central audiovisual facility for the U.S.
Public Health Service. In 1967, the group is renamed the National Medical
Audiovisual Center and administratively transferred to the National Library of
Medicine
CDC’s Venereal Disease Program changes its name to National Syphilis
Eradication program as efforts are placed on strengthening the epidemiologic
process
CDC establishes a Laboratory Consultation and Development Section to upgrade
laboratory performance and to promote increased standardization
1963
Immunization Assistance Grant Program is established and CDC administers
Vaccination Assistance Act through project grants. The program is designed to
raise and maintain high levels of immunization against; poliomyelitis, diphtheria,
pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus
Smallpox Unit of the Surveillance Section is established in Bureau of
Epidemiology
The Aedes aegypti Eradication Branch is established to eradicate this mosquito
from the Americas, as well as to protect against outbreaks of yellow fever and
dengue fever
All state health departments, the Food and Drug Administration, and the
Department of Agriculture join CDC in establishing the Salmonella Surveillance
Program
1964
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) approaches CDC for
help in working out methods that would ensure that germs from Earth do not get
transported into space
CDC holds first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP), to provide advice and guidance on the appropriate use of biologics and
other preventive medical agents for effective disease control in the civilian
population
Hospital Infections Unit is established as part of the epidemiology program
First jet injector studies with smallpox vaccine are conducted in the country of
Tonga
CDC assigns an EIS officer to work on family planning, expanding the agency’s
work to global population issues
First Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health is published
1965
New surveillance systems added to the original National Surveillance Program of
1952 include measles, shigellosis, tetanus, and trichinosis
The special Interagency Committee on Back Contamination (ICBC) is created to
determine how to protect Earth from moon contamination
A four-week smallpox campaign in Anapa, Brazil is launched to demonstrate and
evaluate the jet injector equipment in field operations under a variety of
conditions
1966
CDC announces a national measles eradication campaign at the American
Public Health Association meeting
The International Malaria Eradication Program is moved to CDC from the Agency
for International Development (AID)
Smallpox Eradication Program is established to manage AID-funded Smallpox
Eradication/Measles Control Program in African countries
CDC installs first computer system with 16,000 characters of memory. It is used
to for batch business-oriented applications
1967
The Quarantine Service, one of the oldest units of the U.S. Public Health Service,
is transferred to CDC
CDC begins the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) a
population-based tracking system for birth defects in collaboration with Georgia
Mental Health Institute and the Emory University School of Medicine
The Communicable Disease Center is renamed The National Communicable
Disease Center (NCDC) and the title of Chief of the Center is changed to CDC
Director
Reproductive health activities first begin, (today’s Division of Reproductive
Health) to include family planning and healthier mothers and babies
 1968
NCDC (National Communicable Disease Center) becomes a bureau within the
U.S. Public Health Service
NCDC investigates an unidentified, highly infectious respiratory disease in
Pontiac, Michigan, later identified as Legionnaires’ disease
The State and Community Service Division is established, combining venereal
disease, tuberculosis, and immunization branches
NCDC responds to its first major initiative in famine relief within Nigeria during
the Biafran war, assisting local health officials in conducting nutrition and disease
assessments
A tuberculosis surveillance system begins within the United States
NCDC responds to influenza pandemic triggered by the influenza A(H3N2) virus
1969
A national rubella immunization campaign begins
NCDC opens its first biological containment lab to protect scientists while they
work with deadly and infectious pathogens
Inter-Regional Seminar on Smallpox Eradication is held in Lagos, Nigeria to
discuss the progress of the Smallpox Eradication Program. A ceremony in
Niamey, the Republic of Niger is held to celebrate the 100 millionth smallpox
vaccination given in Africa
1970s
1970
The National Communicable Disease Center (NCDC) is renamed Center for
Disease Control (CDC)
The National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system is established to monitor
infections acquired in hospital settings
The Nutrition Program is transferred to CDC, charged with assessing the
occurrences of severe malnutrition in the United States and abroad
CDC studies the simultaneous administration of six antigens in vaccinations in
Nigerian children
CDC starts the Birth Defect Monitoring Program, a nationwide hospital-based
birth defects surveillance of about 25% of all births in the United States
1971
CDC recommends discontinuation of routine immunization and vaccination
requirements for smallpox in the United States
CDC investigates lead exposure associated with an ore smelter in El Paso,
Texas, increasing the scientific understanding of the effects of lead poisoning in
children, as it can affect children’s developing nerves and brains
CDC’s Phoenix laboratories discover that hepatitis B is sexually transmitted
The National Center for Health Statistics conducts the first National Health
Examination Survey with a large nutrition component added. The survey’s name
is changed to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Two subsequent surveys are conducted with the surveys becoming an annual
event beginning in 1999
1972
National Clearinghouse for Smoking and Health, a precursor to the Office on
Smoking and Health, is transferred to CDC
CDC establishes the national gonorrhea control program
Preventive Medicine Residency program is initiated, preparing graduates for
leadership roles in public health and general preventive medicine
1973
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) transferred to
CDC from Health Services & Mental Health Administration
Office of Biosafety is established at CDC
CDC begins regularly responding to public health crises abroad by providing
famine assistance in sub-Saharan Africa
Lead-based paint poisoning prevention and urban rat control activities transferred
to CDC
CDC documents the first nationwide outbreak of Reye syndrome
1974
CDC establishes Bureau of Health Education, developing health curricula for
schools
Liver cancer deaths are investigated. Vinyl chloride is discovered as a new
occupational hazard, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets
standards to provide worker protection
Through the Study of the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control (SENIC), CDC
begins to monitor trends in hospital-acquired infection rates
1975
CDC establishes the Vessel Sanitation Program in cooperation with the cruise
ship industry
Dental Disease Prevention Activity is transferred to CDC, bringing with it the
Fluoridation Program
The Chronic Disease Division is established to target cancer, birth defects, and
environmental health issues
World Health Organization Collaborating Center for leptospirosis is established at
CDC
CDC creates a national gonorrhea control program to reverse a spiraling trend in
the disease
CDC begins to assist in visa and entry screening, immunization, and follow up of
the health of Vietnamese refugees to the United States
1976
CDC diagnoses two recruits at Fort Dix, New Jersey with swine flu and
concludes that a deadly flu pandemic is on its way. A national immunization
program is launched. No epidemic occurs, and before the immunization
campaign is terminated, several people contract Guillain-Barré syndrome from
the vaccine
Epidemiologists investigate a deadly outbreak of a respiratory disease among
attendees at a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania convention
CDC sends disease detectives to investigate two large outbreaks in Zaire and
Sudan of an unknown deadly hemorrhagic fever, a disease later known as Ebola
Environmental Services Division analyzes blood samples collected through
NHANES to demonstrate that the level of lead in blood is related to exposure to
gasoline. Based on that data, the Environmental Protection Agency implements
policies that decrease the amount of lead in gas by half from 1976 – 1980,
subsequently dropping levels of lead in blood by 37%, and Congress is
persuaded to phase out leaded gas permanently
1977
CDC receives the report of the last case of naturally-acquired variola minor, the
milder strain of the variola virus that causes smallpox, from the Merca District of
Somalia
NIOSH reorganizes; assumes new mine safety and health responsibilities, and
publishes Occupational Diseases: A Guide to Their Recognition
CDC isolates Legionella pneumophila, Legionnaires’ disease, the cause of a
deadly outbreak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1978
CDC publishes the first NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
CDC reports the first drug-resistant tuberculosis outbreak; causative organisms
are found resistant to the three most commonly-used drugs
CDC holds the first international conference on Legionnaires’ disease
An expanded maximum containment laboratory (hot lab) is opened to handle
viruses that are too dangerous to handle in ordinary laboratories
1979
CDC publishes the first Healthy People: The Surgeon General’s Report on
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The report establishes for the first
time ambitious, quantifiable objectives for improving the nation’s health, to be
achieved by 1990
A Lassa fever World Health Organization Collaborating Center is established in
Sierra Leone
CDC investigates health effects related to the Three-Mile Island nuclear incident
CDC assumes lead responsibility in the U.S. Public Health Service for
environmental emergency response
Last recorded wild case of polio in the United States
1980s
1980
MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) publishes the first report on a
newly-recognized illness associated with tampon use: toxic shock syndrome;
CDC organizes a task force to study the illness
Reports in the MMWR indicate association of Reye syndrome with aspirin use
CDC assists in the study of health effects related to Mount St. Helen’s volcanic
eruption and establishes the National Center for Environmental Health
CDC establishes the first international Field Epidemiology Training Program in
Thailand and initiates the Global EIS Program
Congress creates the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, as a
“sister agency” to CDC
The World Health Organization declares global eradication of smallpox in May
1981
MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) publishes a report of five cases
of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) among previously healthy young men
in Los Angeles. Local clinicians and the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS)
Officer stationed at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
prepares the report and submits it to MMWR. CDC develops an investigative
team to identify risk factors and to develop a case definition for national
surveillance
CDC establishes the International Health Program Office
The Department of Health and Human Services assigns implementation of the
Superfund Act to CDC
To prevent Reye syndrome, the Surgeon General’s advisory against the use of
salicylates (aspirin) for children with influenza or chickenpox is published
1982
CDC begins an international campaign to gather support for elimination of
dracunculiasis, Guinea worm disease
Epidemiologists discovers that foodborne E. coli 0157 is the cause of two
outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis
A report of 1,714 measles cases (an all-time low) indicates a 99% reduction from
the annual average of 500,000 in the pre-vaccine era
National surveillance for Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease begins
CDC receives first reports of AIDS in persons with hemophilia, other transfusion
recipients, and in infants born to mothers with AIDS
Infection control recommendation for AIDS for clinical and laboratory staff are
published
1983
NIOSH publishes a list of Ten Leading Work-Related Disease and Injuries
Persons at increased risk of contracting AIDS are advised to refrain from
donating blood
CDC receives funding for HIV risk reduction services for people with hemophilia
and others using blood products
CDC establishes the National AIDS Hotline to handle the growing number of calls
concerning the AIDS virus
CDC established the Violence Epidemiology Branch
1984
CDC study supported by Congress and funded by the U.S. Veterans
Administration shows that male Vietnam veterans are at no higher risk than other
men for fathering babies with birth defects, and produces the first of many
publications on risk factors for birth defects
The Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH) dişivi was
established
Public health department and laboratory staff are trained by CDC to perform a
new test for antibodies to the virus that causes AIDS (the test is licensed in 1985)
Reports show declining incidence of Reye syndrome in the U.S.
1985
CDC cosponsors the first International Conference on AIDS
Evidence mounts of multidrug-resistance in the bacterium that causes TB
Study finds that a new polysaccharide vaccine is a cost-effective means to
protect children who were at risk for developing Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Heat-treated, blood-based clotting factor products used by people with
hemophilia are introduced and shown to eliminate the transmission of HIV
through infusion of clotting factor products
CDC provides international disaster relief assistance to Mexico after a major
earthquake in its capital, Mexico City, and to Puerto Rico and Colombia following
devastating mudslides in these areas
1986
CDC establishes the Division of Injury Epidemiology and Control
Department of Health and Human Services Office on Smoking and Health was
transferred to CDC and joined with CDC’s programs to produce the first of these
reports, Smoking and Health: A National Status Report
CDC cosponsors the first National Conference on Chronic Disease Prevention
and Control
1987
The National Center for Health Statistics becomes an organizational component
of CDC
CDC publishes guidelines on preventing HIV transmission in healthcare settings,
on HIV counseling, and on antibody testing
NIOSH establishes the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk
(SENSOR) program
The national health information campaign “America Responds to AIDS” launches
1988
Worldwide Polio Eradication Initiative launches: a public-private partnership led
by national governments and spearheaded by the World Health Organization
(WHO), Rotary International, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Understanding AIDSexternal icon, an informational pamphlet created to increase
awareness and concern about AIDS, is sent to every household in America
Disabilities Prevention Program is developed to provide a national focus for the
prevention of disabilities
CDC establishes the Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion to target chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and
diabetes
CDC appoints its first Assistant Director for Minority Health
1989
CDC reports every 6 to 10 killings involve guns, making firearms the 8th leading
cause of death, after diabetes, but ahead of liver disease
The 100,000th AIDS case is reported
The 25th Surgeon General’s report on the health consequences of smoking is
issued
A World Health Organization Collaborating Center for disaster preparedness is
established at CDC
To improve laboratory training programs and communication among participants,
the National Laboratory Training Network is established with the Association of
State and Territorial Public Health Laboratory Directors in seven sites
1990s
1990
CDC reports on the viral agents of gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhea. Before
1990, severe diarrhea was a serious public health threat cause five to ten million
deaths worldwide
CDC develops guidelines for Telecommunications Systems for Surveillance,
providing a systematic framework for public health surveillance data reported to
CDC
CDC reports possible transmission of HIV to a patient during invasive dental
procedures
CDC conducts the first national Youth Risk Behavior Survey to measure the
prevalence of priority risk behaviors among adolescents
CDC reports a large outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. This outbreak
creates significant public health and economic burdens across Texas, California,
and Pennsylvania
CDC and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) develop the Safe Water
System (SWS), protecting bacıvı communities from contaminated water by
promoting behavior change and providing affordable and sustainable solutions
1991
CDC establishes the Division of Oral Health to expand efforts to prevent oral
disease and conditions
CDC reports a sharp increase in cases of tuberculosis in the United States,
linked to HIV infection and AIDS
CDC begins development of a national strategic plan for early detection and
control of breast and cervical cancers among all American women
1992
The agency is renamed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to
reflect a broader role and vision. The agency is asked by Congress to continue
using the initials “CDC”
CDC recommends that women who have had a pregnancy affected by a neural
tube defect (NTD) consume 400 milligrams of the B-vitamin folic acid daily, prior
to pregnancy, to prevent the recurrence of NTDs
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) is established
1993
MMWR reports on an outbreak of a mysterious illness in the southwestern United
States, later recognized as Hantavirus infection. The deadly virus is transmitted
by infected rodents through urine, droppings, and saliva. CDC responds by
developing prevention and information materials for the disease
CDC establishes the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Unit in the Division of Birth Defects
and Developmental Disabilities at the National Center for Environmental Health
CDC responds to an H5N1 avian flu outbreak spread to humans
1994
Polio elimination is certified in the Americas
Vaccines for Children Program established
CDC and the National Institute of Justice collaborate to create the National
Violence against Women Survey. The survey, conducted in 1995-1996, will
provide the first national data on the incidence and prevalence of violence
against women
1995
CDC epidemiologists investigate an outbreak of deadly Ebola virus in Zaire
CDC recommends offering HIV testing to all pregnant women, and AZT therapy
for HIV-infected pregnant women to reduce transmission of the virus to their
babies
Emerging Infections Programs (EIP) are established in response to CDC's 1994
strategy, Addressing Emerging Infectious Disease Threats: A Prevention
Strategy for the United States
1996
CDC establishes the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)
NIOSH issues findings and recommendations for preventing workplace
homicides and assaults
CDC finds measurable levels of serum cotinine, a biomarker of tobacco smoke
exposure, in the blood of 88 percent of American nonsmokers
PulseNet, a national network of laboratories, launches to help detect and define
outbreaks using the DNA of the foodborne bacteria making people sick
Prevention Effectiveness Program and The Guide to Community Preventive
Services (The Community Guide) initiated
As part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary, CDC opens the Global Health
Odyssey, a museum designed to educate the public about CDC and public
health
1997
CDC participates in the nationally-televised White House event of the
Presidential Apology for the Tuskegee Study
CDC convenes a group of organizations dedicated to advocacy and education
about folic acid-preventable birth defects. This group becomes the National
Council on Folic Acid (NCFA)
Fenfluramine (fen-phen) diet pill deaths and heart valve damage identified
1998
For the first time since 1981, AIDS is diagnosed in more African-American and
Hispanic men than in white men
The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Surveillance Network is created in October and
develops a multisource surveillance methodology to determine the prevalence of
FAS within certain regions of the United States
MMWR publishes the first Surgeon General’s report focusing on tobacco use
among ethnic and racial minorities
Cereal grains will be enriched with folic acid through a federal mandate to reduce
congenital disabilities
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative launches: a public-private partnership led
by national governments and spearheaded by the World Health Organization
(WHO), Rotary International, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with the Gates Foundation joining in
2000
1999
CDC launches National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (now the Strategic National
Stockpile), a stockpile of drugs, vaccines, and other medical products and
supplies, to provide for the emergency health security of the United States and its
territories
CDC establishes CDC’s Laboratory Response Network, an integrated national
and international network of laboratories that are fully equipped to respond
quickly to acts of chemical or biological threats, emerging infectious diseases,
and other public health threats and emergencies
CDC responds to the first case of West Nile virus identified in New York City
2000s
2000
Measles declared eliminated from the United States
CDC and West Virginia University release Women and Heart Disease: An Atlas
of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mortality, the first national atlas of heart
disease death rates among U.S. women 35 and older
CDC receives reports of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Saudi Arabia, with more than
300 people infected. These represent the first cases of RVF outside the continent
of Africa
CDC investigates an E. coli outbreak among teenage campers in Texas, the first
community outbreak attributable to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O111 reported
in the United States
2001
CDC learns of the first case of inhalational anthrax in the United States since
1976. The person, a 63-year-old Florida man, is infected by anthrax sent through
the mail. He is the first of 22 victims of this domestic terrorism event
CDC responds to the World Trade Center and bioterrorist anthrax attacks
The Children’s Health Act (Public Law 106-310) establishes the National Center
on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at CDC. The Act
expands research and services for a variety of childhood health problems and
authorizes the establishment of Centers of Excellence at both CDC and NIH to
promote research and monitoring efforts related to autism
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides technical
assistance for responder safety and health in the World Trade Center rescue and
recovery
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
established
2002
CDC reports that newborn HIV infections in the United States are down 80%
since 1981
Congress mandates that issues related to children’s neurobehavioral disorders,
including ADHD, be included as part of NCBDDD’s research agenda
2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is first discovered in Asia. CDC
responds by providing guidance for surveillance, clinical and laboratory
evaluation, and reporting
MMWR reports the first identification of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
in the United States
A package containing ricin and a note threatening to poison water supplies is
discovered in a South Carolina postal facility, becoming the first potential
chemical terrorism event involving ricin in the United States
United States experiences an outbreak of monkeypox, the first time human
monkeypox is reported outside of Africa. CDC deploys teams of medical officers,
epidemiologists, and other experts to several states to assist with the
investigation
2004
Rubella is eliminated in the United States
CDC collaborates with the Office of the Surgeon General to promote the Family
History Initiative, the first public campaign addressing the issue of family health
history. The Initiative designates Thanksgiving Day as National Family History
Day. A web-based tool, My Family Health Portrait, is created to help people
collect the disease histories of their families
An earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggers a devastating tsunami, causing an
estimated 228,000 deaths in 14 countries on three continents. The Thai Ministry
of Public Health responds with assistance from CDC, the Armed Forces
Research Institute of Medical Sciences, and the World Health Organization
CDC provides support for laws restricting access to over-the-counter medications
used in methamphetamine production in Georgia
CDC responds to Fungal meningitis outbreak from steroid injections
 2005
March is declared Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month
CDC responds to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
The Surgeon General releases A Call to Action to Improve the Health and
Wellness of Persons with Disabilities, and highlights disability as a major public
health issue. The call to action appeals to all Americans to help improve the
quality of life for people with disabilities through better health care and
understanding
Last large cases of polio transmission stopped in India and Africa
2006
CDC responds to a multi-state mumps outbreak involving more than 6,500
reported cases. This resurgence predominantly affects college-aged students
living in the Midwest, with outbreaks occurring on many different Midwestern
college campuses
CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activates for Tropical Storm Ernesto
CDC responds to multi-state outbreak of E. coli, infections linked to fresh spinach
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine
immunizations of children and adolescents for rotavirus and human
papillomavirus vaccines
2007
For the first time since 1963, CDC issues federal order of isolation for a
tuberculosis (TB) patients
NIOSH Science Blog debuts, becoming a useful communication channel that
provides workplace safety and health information to the public
2008
Salmonella and E. coli outbreaks, large multi-state foodborne outbreaks are
detected and investigated, revealing gaps in food safety and the need to improve
prevention efforts
CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activates for Hurricane Dolly;
Tropical Storm Edouard, Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna, and Ike
2009
CDC identifies the novel H1N1 influenza virus. The H1N1 flu pandemic
demonstrates CDC’s unique ability to assess and explain risk
Widespread asbestos contamination in Libby, Montana; ATSDR helps provide
screenings and health care service for those exposed
 2010s
2010
In the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, CDC response effort
helps prevent 7,000 deaths from cholera
Healthy People 2020 is published by DHHS. A new focus on blood disorders and
blood safety addresses bleeding and clotting disorders, and hemoglobinopathies
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is enacted. One of the
requirements is that any federally conducted or supported health care or public
health program, activity, or survey collect and report, to the extent practicable,
data on disability status
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides technical
assistance for responder safety and health in the Deepwater Horizon
containment and cleanup
The CDC Vital Signs monthly report is launched. It includes an MMWR Early
Release, a graphic fact sheet and website, a media release, and social media
tools
2011
CDC responds to a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis linked to whole cantaloupes.
A new food categorization scheme is implemented in the Foodborne Disease
Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) and begins publishing annual
summaries online
June 5, 2011, marks the 30th year since CDC reported the first cases of acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
CDC continues to support the global polio eradication effort by activating the
Emergency Operations Center to strengthen the agency’s partnership
engagement through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which is
committed to completing the eradication of polio
CDC’s museum, the Global Health Odyssey Museum, is renamed the David J.
Sencer CDC Museum in honor of the longest serving director of the agency
2012
CDC responds to the largest healthcare-associated outbreak of fungal meningitis
in United States history
CDC launches the groundbreaking “Tips from Former Smokers” national ad
campaign on March 15, 2012, to increase awareness about the human suffering
caused by smoking and to encourage smokers to quit
CDC responds to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly and Salmonella
Nchanga infections associated with a raw tuna product
 2013
CDC activates its Emergency Operations Center to investigate a novel
coronavirus called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
CDC launches the Ready Wrigley campaign to provide parents, guardians,
teachers, and young children with tips, activities, and a story to help the whole
family prepare for emergencies
2014
The first case of Ebola is reported in Guinea in March; the disease spreads into
the neighboring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone
CDC activates its Emergency Operations Center to respond to the largest Ebola
outbreak in history affecting multiple countries in West Africa. CDC helps
coordinate the response at the national level, providing health education and
assisting with database management. CDC trains teams of people who can do
contact tracing, finding everyone who came in direct contact with a sick Ebola
patient
CDC responds to a multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella
Heidelberg infections linked to chicken
CDC responds to an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
(MERS-CoV)
Global Health Security Agenda initiated at CDC
CDC begins tracking Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) cases to develop a greater
understanding of the disease
2015
CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal commemorates the 20th
anniversary of CDC’s signature Emerging Infections Programs (EIP)
The Americas region is declared free of endemic transmission of rubella
2016
CDC responds to lead contamination in the Flint, Michigan water supply
CDC and the World Health Organization launch the Global Hearts Initiative to
support governments in strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention and
control
CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activates for Zika virus disease on
January 22, 2016, and moved to a level 1 activation—the highest level – on
February 8, 2016
The largest outbreak of Elizabethkingia anophelis infections is reported from
November 1, 2015, to March 2, 2016, in Wisconsin. Investigators used Advanced
Molecular Detection to pinpoint the bacteria as Elizabethkingia anophelis,
discovered in 2011
CDC’s Emergency Response and Recovery Branch leads efforts to support
countries impacted by Hurricane anavı Matthew
CDC Implements the Antibiotic Resistance Solutions Initiative to work toward
meeting national goals and establishes the Antibiotic Resistance Coordination
and Strategy Unit (ARX)
2017
Public health officials announce that drug overdoses have become the leading
cause of death for Americans under age 50, with more than two-thirds of those
deaths coming from opioid painkillers
CDC unveils the new free Milestone Tracker app, making it easy for parents to
track their young children’s development
The Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) assists multiple state and local health
departments with hepatitis A outbreaks, spread through person-to-person contact
CDC Introduces the RX Awareness campaign, communicating the dangers of
prescription opioids
CDC launches Be Antibiotics Aware, a nationwide communication effort to
optimize antibiotic prescribing among healthcare providers and educate patients
and the public about appropriate antibiotic use
CDC responds to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria
2018
Whole-genome sequencing becomes the new PulseNet gold standard for
subtyping pathogens that cause foodborne illness
CDC establishes the Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Task Force to aid ongoing
investigations to define the cause and improve treatment and outcomes for
patients with AFM
CDC participates in the Antimicrobial Resistance AMR Challenge, a yearlong
effort by the U.S. government to accelerate the fight against antimicrobial
resistance
CDC coordinates national surveillance activities for possible cases of vitamin K-
dependent unexplained bleeding associated with synthetic cannabinoids
National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) now includes all 50 states
CDC investigates several multi-state outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to
contact with live poultry in backyard flocks
2019
CDC activates its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Monday, September
16, 2019, to enhance the inter-agency response to the current investigation into
lung injury cases with e-cigarette product use, or vaping
The Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) releases a new Personal
Health Preparedness Digital Toolkit
CDC reports 704 cases of measles in the United States since the beginning of
2019, represent-ing the largest number of cases reported in the country in a
single year since 1994
CDC celebrates the 50TH anniversary of the high-containment laboratories
(HCL)
CDC activates the EOC for Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) debuts Small
Business Traveler safety web page
CDC lab research shows two treatments effective against DRC Ebola strain
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) documents persistent racial and
ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related deaths
2020s
2020
CDC maps America’s high levels of physical inactivity
Public health screenings begin at three U.S. airports for 2019 novel coronavirus
(2019-nCoV)
CDC activates Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Monday, January 20, to
support public health partners responding to the outbreak caused by a novel
(new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
CDC confirms person-to-person spread of new coronavirus in the United States
A CDC-developed laboratory test kit to detect 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-
nCoV) begins shipping to select qualified U.S. and international laboratories
The World Health Organization (WHO) names the new disease COVID-19
CDC launches the SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing for Public Health Emergency
Response, Epidemiology, and Surveillance (SPHERES) consortium, expanding
the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the COVID-19 virus
June 25 marks the end of the 2018 Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of DRC
CDC discovers active ingredient, nootkatone, for development of new
mosquito/tick insecticides and repellents
CDC launches a national campaign, Hear Her, which highlights warning signs of
pregnancy-related death
Africa is declared free of wild poliovirus, the second virus eradicated from the
continent since smallpox 40 years previously
Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) celebrates its 40th anniversary
CDC investigates a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Stanley infections linked
to wood ear mushrooms

COVID-19 Timeline
This timeline provides information about select moments in the COVID-19
pandemic in the United States and around the world beginning from its known
origins to today.
Late 2019
December 12, 2019
A cluster of patients in Wuhan, Hubei Providence, China begin to experience
shortness of breath and fever.
December 31, 2019
The World Health Organization China Country Office is informed of a number
cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology (unknown cause) detected in Wuhan,
Hubei Province. All cases connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market
in Wuhan.
Early 2020
January 2, 2020
The World Health Organization activates its incident management system across
the three levels of WHO (country office, regional office, and headquarters).
January 5, 2020
Chinese public health official share the genetic sequence of the unknown
pneumonia virus (Wuhan-Hu-1) through an online database.
January 5, 2020
CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
activates a Center Level Response for novel pneumonia of unknown etiology.
January 7, 2020
Chinese authorities identify and isolate a novel coronavirus as the causative
agent of the outbreak
 January 7, 2020
CDC establishes a 2019-nCoV Incident Management Structure to guide the
response. It follows previously established MERS-CoV preparedness plans for
developing tests and managing cases.
January 10, 2020
CDC publishes information about the novel coronavirus on its website.
January 13, 2020
The Thailand Ministry of Public Health confirms the first imported case of lab-
confirmed novel coronavirus from China.
January 15, 2020
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reports an imported case of
laboratory-confirmed novel coronavirus.
January 17, 2020
CDC begins screening passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan,
China at San Francisco, California, New York City, New York, and Los Angeles,
California and plans to expand screening to other major airports.
January 17, 2020
CDC deploys a team to Washington state to assist with contact tracing efforts in
response to the first reported case of 2019-nCOV in the U.S.
January 20, 2020
CDC confirms the first U.S. laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S.
from samples taken on January 18 in Washington state.
January 21, 2020
CDC transitions from a Center-led Incident Management Structure to an Agency-
wide Structure and activates its Emergency Response System
January 21, 2020
CDC artists Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins create “an identity” for the novel
coronavirus by designing the iconic red and white virus image.
January 22, 2020
The World Health Organization International Health Regulation Emergency
Committee meets. The Emergency Committee decides to not declare the novel
coronavirus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Committee
decides instead to monitor the situation and reconvene in 10 days to re-discuss.
January 22, 2020
The World Health Organization confirms human-to-human spread of the novel
coronavirus.
January 27, 2020
The United States Food and Drug Administration announces that it will take
“critical actions to advance development of novel coronavirus medical
countermeasures” with interagency partners, including CDC.
January 29, 2020
The White House Coronavirus Task Force is established with U.S. Health and
Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, as the head of the Task Force.
January 31, 2020
The World Health Organization International Health Regulation Emergency
Committee reconvenes and declares the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health
Emergency of International Concern.
January 31, 2020
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, declares the SARS-
CoV-2 virus a public health emergency and the White House 2019 Novel
Coronavirus Task Force announces the implementation of new travel policies to
be effective at 5:00 PM EST on February 2, 2020.
February 3, 2020
CDC submits an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) PACK to the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration to expedite approval for the CDC developed SARS-
CoV-2 diagnostic test.
February 4, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the Emergency Use
Authorization (EUA) PACK for the CDC developed SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test.
CDC distributes 200 test kits through its Influenza Reagent Resource program to
laboratories across the U.S.
February 8, 2020
One of the first CDC test kits arrives at a public health laboratory in east
Manhattan, New York City, New York. The laboratory reports that the test
produces “untrustworthy results.”
February 11, 2020
The World Health Organization announces the official name for the disease that
is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak: COVID-19. The new name of
this disease is an abbreviated version of coronavirus disease 2019.
February 23, 2020
As Italy becomes a global COVID-19 hotspot, the Italian government issues
Decree-Law No. 6 of February 23, 2020, containing Urgent Measures to Contain
and manage the Epidemiological Emergency Caused by COVID-19, effectively
locking down the country.
February 26, 2020
CDC’s Dr. Nancy Messonnier, Incident Manager for the COVID-19 Response,
holds a telebriefing. During the telebriefing she braces the U.S. for the eventual
community spread of the novel coronavirus and states that the “disruption to
everyday life may be severe.”
Feb 29 2020
CDC updates its Criteria to Guide Evaluation and Testing of Patients Under
Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 to any patients with a severe respiratory illness
even in the absence of travel history to affected areas or known exposure to
another case to prepare for possible additional person-to-person spread.
February 29, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announces a “new policy…for certain
laboratories that develop and begin to use validated COVID-19 diagnostics
before the FDA has completed review of their Emergency Use Authorization
(EUA) requests,” allowing laboratories to create tests to address testing
shortages in the U.S.
March 1, 2020
CDC creates COVID-NET by modifying existing respiratory virus surveillance
networks that monitor for hospitalizations associated with influenza and
Respiratory Syncytical Virus (RSV) to monitor for hospitalizations associated with
COVID-19.
March 11, 2020
The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic.
March 12, 2020
Confirmatory testing for COVID-19 by CDC is no longer required by the U.S,
Food and Drug Administration
March 13, 2020
President Donald J. Trump declares a nationwide emergency.
March 14, 2020
CDC issues a “No Sail Order” to all cruise ships. The order calls for all cruise
ships in waters that the U.S. has jurisdiction over to cease activity.
March 15, 2020
U.S. states begin to shut down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. New York
City public schools system (the largest school system in the U.S., with 1.1 million
students) shuts down, while Ohio calls for restaurants and bars to close.
March 16, 2020
CDC launches Clara bot, a COVID-19 symptom checker, on its website.
March 17, 2020
First human trial of a vaccine to protect against pandemic COVID-19 begins in
the U.S. at Kaiser Permanente research facility in Seattle, Washington. Moderna
Therapeutics is the biotech company behind the vaccine.
March 26, 2020
U.S. Senate passes the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act providing $2 trillion in aid to hospitals, small businesses, and state
and local governments while including an elimination of the Medicare sequester
from May to December 31, 2020.
March 28, 2020
White House extends social distancing measures until the end of April 2020.
March 28, 2020
U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an Emergency Use Authorization
(EUA) to allow hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate products
donated to the Strategic National Stockpile to be distributed and used for certain
hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
March 28, 2020
CDC distributes a Health Alert Network (HAN) warning against using chloroquine
phosphate without the recommendation of a doctor or pharmacy after one person
is seriously ill and another dies from ingesting non-pharmaceutical chloroquine
phosphate (a chemical for aquarium use that is commercially available for
purchase at stores or online) to prevent COVID-19.
March 31, 2020
At a White House Press Briefing, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Brix
announce that 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. dilivi are expected even if
social distancing and public health measures are perfectly enacted.
April 3, 2020
At a White House press briefing, CDC announces new mask wearing guidelines
and recommends that all people wear a mask when outside of the home.
April 3, 2020
CDC launches COVIDView, a weekly report that summarizes and interprets key
indicators from a number of existing surveillance systems
April 6, 2020
Hundreds of doctors and civil rights groups urge CDC and U.S. government to
release race and ethnicity data on COVID-19 cases in order to ensure the proper
response in black communities.
April 7, 2020
A report from the Chicago Tribune notes that 68% of the COVID-19 related
deaths in Chicago occur among the city’s African American community,
illuminating racial disparities of the pandemic in the U.S.
April 8, 2020
U.S. Health and Human Services announces first contract for ventilator
production goes to General Motors under the Defense Production Act.
April 10, 2020
The U.S. surpasses Italy as the global leader for reported deaths due to COVID-
19 (23,036 deaths)
April 13, 2020
Most U.S. states report widespread cases of COVID-19.
April 13, 2020
At a White House press briefing, President Trump announces that the U.S. will
cease funding to the World Health Organization, shaking the public health
community during the pandemic.
April 24, 2020
Georgia, Alaska, and Oklahoma begin to partially reopen their states despite
concerns from health experts saying it was too early to reopen.
April 26, 2020
Clinicians in the United Kingdom note increased reports of previously healthy
children presenting with severe inflammatory syndrome with Kawasaki disease-
like features. The cases occurred in children testing positive for current or recent
infection with SARS-CoV-2. This condition would later be known as Multisystem
inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), an inflammatory condition that
affects children with COVID-19.
April 30, 2020
President Trump launches Operation Warp Speed, an initiavtive to produce a
vaccine for the coronavirus as quick as possible with CDC as an integral
member.
Mid 2020
May 1, 2020
U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an Emergency Use Authorization for
investigational antiviral drug remdesivir for the treatment of suspected or
laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalized with severe
disease
May 1, 2020
CDC develops the PPE Burn Rate Calculator, a spreadsheet-based model that
will help healthcare facilities plan and optimize the use of PPE for response to
COVID-19, and publishes it on the Apple and Android App stores.
May 1, 2020
CDC launches the SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing for Public Health Emergency
Response, Epidemiology and Surveillance (SPHERES), a consortium to expand
the use of whole genome sequencing of the COVID-19 virus.
May 2, 2020
World Health Organization renews is emergency declaration from three months
prior calling the pandemic a global health crisis.
May 8, 2020
News media outlets report that top White House officials shelve CDC “Guidance
for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework” that include
detailed advice on how to safely reopen the country.
May 9, 2020
U.S. unemployment rate at 14.7%, the worst rate since the Great Depression.
With 20.5 million people out of work, hospitality, leisure, and healthcare
industries taking the greatest hits. It is affecting low income and minority workers
the most.
May 15, 2020
CDC distributes an alert through the Health Alert Network describing multisystem
inflammatory syndrome related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.
May 28, 2020
United States coronavirus (COVID-19) death toll surpasses 100,000.
June 4, 2020
U.S. Health and Human Services announces new laboratory date reporting
guidance for COVID-19 testing to include demographic data on race, ethnicity,
age, and sex.
June 8, 2020
The World Bank states that COVID-19 will plunge the Global Economy into the
worst recession since World War II.
June 24, 2020
Three weeks prior, Black Lives Matter protests broke out across the country due
to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Experts worried that it would
lead to a spike in cases, but researchers release a report saying that it did not
because the protests caused more people to stay home. The protests led to CDC
rethinking its pandemic response to include a health equity framework.
June 25, 2020
CDC expands list of people at risk for severe COVID-19 illness by removing the
specific age threshold from the older adult classification, noting that risk
increases with age. CDC also includes people with chronic kidney disease,
COPD, obesity, immuncompromised from solid organ transplant, serious heart
conditions, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk of
severe COVID-19 illness.
July 23, 2020
CDC releases new science-based resources and tolls for school administrators,
teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers for safe school reopening.
August 19 2020
After CDC studies show that American Indians and Alaska Natives are among
the racial and ethnic minority group at higher risk for severe COVID-19
outcomes, CDC provides more that $200 million in COVID-19 funding to Indian
Country.
Late 2020
September 22, 2020
United States coronavirus (COVID-19) death toll surpasses 200,000.
October 2, 2020
President Trump tests positive for the coronavirus.
October 5, 2020
White House outbreak continues as several aides and the press secretary test
positive for the virus.
 October 6, 2020
Food insecurity among Americans will reach 52 million peole due to the
coronavirus pandemic, a 17 million increase than prepandemic numbers.
October 7, 2020
New Zealand declares itself virus free.
November 1, 2020
CDC announces the end of the no sail order for cruise ship companies.
November 3, 2020
The U.S. presidential election occurs, with response to the COVID-19 pandemic
response being one of the issues most debated.
November 13, 2020
Increased outbreaks are reported across the country due to large gatherings for
Halloween.
December 3, 2020
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that
health care professionals and residents of long-term care facilities be offered
COVID-19 vaccine first in the initial phases of the COVID-19 vaccination
program.
December 11, 2020
Food and Drug Administration issues an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for
the first COVID-19 vaccine – the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
December 12, 2020
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issues interim
recommendation for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in
persons aged 16 years or older for the prevention of COVID-19.
December 14 2020
United States coronavirus (COVID-19) death toll surpasses 300,000.
December 14, 2020
Sandra Lindsay, a nurse in New York, becomes the first American outside a
clinical trial to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
December 18, 2020
The U.S.Food and Drug Administration issues an Emergency Use Authorization
for the second COVID-19 vaccine – the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
 December 19, 2020
The Advisory Committee on Immunization practices (ACIP) issues an interim
recommendation for the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged
18 years or older for the prevention of COVID-19.
December 21, 2020
U.S. Congress passes second COVID Relief Act which will now go to President
Trump for approval or veto. This act promises $600 per individual.
December 24, 2020
It is estimated that more than 1 million people in the U.S. are vaccinated against
COVID-19.
December 30, 2020
AstraZenica and University of Oxford’s vaccine approved for emergency use in
the UK and will begin distribution in the New Year.
December 30, 2020
First U.S. case of UK variant reported in the U.S.in Colorado.
December 31, 2020
One year anniversary of first reported case to WHO.
Early 2021
January 7, 2021
One year anniversary of CDC COVID-19 pandemic response.
January 8, 2021
Amid vaccine shortages at Pfizer and Moderna, both companies, along with
scientists at NIH, are looking at ways to double their supply to prevent future
shortages.
January 18, 2021
U.S COVID-19 death toll surpasses 400,000.
January 20, 2021
One year anniversary of the first reported case of COVID-19 in the U.S.
Snohomish County, Washington
January 25, 2021
First U.S. case of Brazil variant of coronavirus reported in Minnesota.
January 26, 2021
Worldwide COVID-19 cases surpass 100 million.
January 28, 2021
First U.S. case of South African variant of coronavirus reported in South
Carolina.
February 1, 2021
At home tests to be put into distribution in the U.S. by Australian company
Ellume.
February 16, 2021
Vaccine distribution disrupted in several states, including Texas, Missouri,
Alabama, and New Hampshire due to severe winter storms.
February 21, 2021
U.S.COVID-19 death toll surpasses 500,000.
February 27, 2021
FDA approves emergency use authorization for Johnson and Johnson one shot
COVID-19 vaccine.
March 8, 2021
CDC announces that fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without masks.
March 11, 2021
President Joseph Biden announces a federal vaccine website where users can
find vaccines near them. He also directs all states, tribes, and territories to make
all adults eligible for the vaccine by May 1st.
March 13, 2021
U.S. surpasses 100 million vaccinations administered.
March 14, 2021
Several countries, including Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, and Norway suspend
dispensing AstaZeneca COVID vaccine over concerns of blood clotting.
March 18, 2021
U.S. announces it will send 4 million doses of COVID vaccine to Mexico and
Canada.
March 19, 2021
CDC announces kids in school can socially distance from 3 feet instead of 6 feet.
April 2, 2021
CDC announces fully vaccinated individuals can travel safely domestically in the
U.S. without a COVID test first.
April 13, 2021
CDC recommends pausing the use of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19
vaccine because of blood clot complications.
April 21, 2021
U.S. surpasses 200 million vaccinations administered.
April 23, 2021
CDC recommends continued use of Johnson and Johnson vaccine for people 18
and older.
Mid 2021
June 1, 2021
The Delta variant, first identified in India in late 2020, becomes the dominant
variant in the U.S. The variant kicks off a third wave of infections during the
summer of 2021.
July 27, 2021
After a substantial upswing in cases due to the Delta variant, CDC releases
updated guidance for everyone in areas with substantial or high transmission to
wear a mask while indoors.
July 30, 2021
A MMWR notes a increase in breakthrough infections in Barnstable County,
Massachusetts in July 2021. This MMWR becomes the most wildly circulated
MMWR in the agency’s history.
August 6, 2021
CDC study shows that among people previously infected with COVID-19,
reinfection was less than half as likely among those who were vaccinated after
their first infection.
August 18, 2021
CDC announces a new center, the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak
Analytics, to improve the U.S. government’s ability to forecast and model
emerging health threats, such as pandemics.
August 30, 2021
ACIP recommends Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for people ages 16 years and
older.
 Late 2021
October 7, 2021
A CDC study published in Pediatrics reveals that more than 140,000 U.S.
children under the age of 18 years lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or
grandparent caregiver who provided the child’s home and basic needs.
October 21, 2021
CDC endorses ACIP recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for people
who are 65 years and older, and people 18 years and older who live in long-term
care settings, have underlying medical conditions, and who live or work in high
risk settings.
October 29, 2021
New CDC study provides further evidence that COVID-19 vaccines offer higher
protection than previous COVID-19 infection.
November 2, 2021
CDC endorses ACIP recommendation that children ages 5 to 11 years be
vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine.
November 10, 2021
CDC and the World Health Organization report that more than 22 million infants
missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2020, the largest increase in two
decades, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 26, 2021
World Health Organization classifies a new variant, Omicron, as a variant of
concern after it was first reported by scientists in South Africa. The variant has
several mutations in the spike protein that concern scientists around the world.
November 29, 2021
CDC recommends that everyone over 18 years old who received a Pfizer or
Moderna vaccine receive a COVID-19 booster shot 6 months after they are fully
vaccinated.