Final answer:
The CDC monitors notifiable diseases through the NNDSS, which include infectious diseases such as HIV and West Nile virus infections. Reports of these diseases are mandatory and help in disease control and providing updates to health professionals through publications like the MMWR.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for tracking and responding to public health concerns. They oversee the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), which monitors notifiable diseases of national public health importance, such as HIV infection, measles, West Nile virus infections, and many others. These conditions are reportable diseases meaning that healthcare providers are legally required to report cases to the CDC, which in turn provides vital data for epidemiological studies and helps inform healthcare providers and the public about potential risks.
Emerging infectious diseases like Ebola virus, Zika virus, and various influenza strains have the potential to become pandemic diseases due to their rapid spread and impact on the population. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) is a CDC publication that provides the latest updates on public health issues, including notifiable diseases. It serves as a key resource for health professionals to stay informed about these health threats.