Final answer:
Health agencies such as the CDC use the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) to track notifiable diseases, which must be reported by health professionals. This information is disseminated through publications like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Adverse drug events and workplace-related health issues are reported to the FDA and OSHA, respectively, helping to protect public health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Health Agencies and Disease Reporting
Health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play a vital role in monitoring public health. In the United States, the CDC manages the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS), which is a collaborative system with state and territorial health departments. Through this system, diseases of public importance, known as notifiable diseases, are reported and monitored. Notifiable diseases can range from HIV infection to measles and West Nile virus infections. Health professionals, such as physicians, are legally obligated to report these diseases, contributing to a national database of incidence rates.
The data collected through the NNDSS is used for epidemiological studies and informs both health-care providers and the public about health risks. This data is disseminated through publications such as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Additionally, adverse drug events are reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through programs like MedWatch. Information on workplace-related health issues can also be reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as outlined in their recordkeeping and reporting guidelines.
Overall, the reporting and tracking of these health issues enable public health organizations to respond appropriately to outbreaks, monitor trends, and implement preventive measures. The goal is to safeguard the health of the population by ensuring a rapid response to public health threats.