Final answer:
The CDC underscores hand washing as a crucial preventive measure for diseases, with significant numbers of foodborne illnesses reported that could decrease through better sanitation. However, an exact number of deaths from inadequate hand washing is not currently provided by the CDC.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has highlighted the critical importance of hand washing in preventing diseases. While specific figures regarding annual deaths in America due to lack of proper hand washing are not explicitly stated in recent CDC communications, it is known that millions of foodborne illnesses occur each year, with thousands leading to hospitalizations and deaths. Additionally, the lack of access to clean water for hand-washing globally contributes to disease and malnutrition, particularly among children. The CDC's data from previous years suggest substantial numbers of foodborne illnesses that could potentially be reduced with proper sanitation practices.
Another vital public health measure is the prevention of waterborne diseases through hand washing. Other methods include public health education, vaccinations, and regular doctor visits. Moreover, the role of personal and public sanitation in reducing the burden of infectious diseases cannot be understated, as evidenced by historical drops in infectious disease rates following improvements in these areas.