Recent Outbreaks and Incidents
This page provides information on selected public health emergency topics of recent public interest. For a list of the latest updates posted on this site, please see the What's New page.
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Southern Santa Barbara Wildfires (May 2009)
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District have reissued an Air Quality Warning for Southern Santa Barbara. Find out more about the current situation, and learn how to stay safe from wildfires and wildfire smoke.
CDC Investigates Human Cases of H1N1 Flu in the United States (April 2009)
Since March 2009, a number of confirmed human cases of a new strain of H1N1 flu virus infection in the U.S. and internationally have been identified. An investigation into these cases is ongoing.
- Oklahoma & Texas Wildfires (April 2009)
Wildfires in Oklahoma and north Texas have burned more than 100,000 acres and destroyed dozens of homes. Find out more about the current situation, and learn how to stay safe from wildfires and wildfire smoke. 
Earthquake in Central Italy (April 6)
A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck central Italy on April 6. Learn what you can do to stay safe during and after an earthquake.
Floods in North Dakota (March 2009)
The Red River and several others are in flood stage and expected to crest at record-breaking levels the last weekend in March. Learn what you can to protect your personal health and safety.
Mount Redoubt Volcano Erupts (March 22, 2009)
Mount Redoubt volcano erupts. The height of the eruption cloud is estimated to be 50,000 ft above sea level. Learn how to stay safe during and after a volcano eruption.- Mount Redoubt Volcano near Anchorage, Alaska (January 2009)
The level of seismic activity at Mount Redoubt Volcano, about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, has increased and an eruption is possible within days to weeks. Learn how to stay safe during and after a volcano eruption. 
Search for Peanut Butter Product Recalls Related to Salmonella Outbreak (January 2009)
To make it easier for consumers to determine if any peanut butter products they have at home are subject to recall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created an expanded, searchable database that will be updated as new information becomes available.
Salmonella (September 2008 - January 2009)
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an ongoing multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium.
Severe Winter Weather (December 2008)
An ice storm knocked out power across the Northeast United States. Learn how to stay safe in severe cold when the power goes out.- Wildfires (November 2008)
Wildfires in California have destroyed hundreds of homes. Learn how to stay safe when wildfires are a threat. 
Melamine in Food Products Manufactured in China (October 2008)
News reports and the World Health Organization (WHO) state that tens of thousands of infants in China consumed infant formula contaminated with melamine.
Hurricanes (August/September 2008)
Learn what you can do to be prepared before a hurricane, what to do during the storm, and how to stay safe in the aftermath.- Earthquakes (July 2008)
A magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck just east of Los Angeles on July 29. Quakes of that magnitude are considered "moderate" by the U.S. Geological Survey, and can cause slight damage to buildings and others structures. - Hurricane (July 2008)
Hurricane Dolly struck the Texas-Mexico coastline July 23. Learn what you can do to be prepared before a hurricane, what to do during the storm, and how to stay safe in the aftermath. - Floods (June 2008)
Basic facts to help protect your personal health and safety. - Salmonella Saintpaul (June 2008)
CDC collaborated with public health officials in several states, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Saintpaul infections. 
Measles (January 1-April 25, 2008)
Measles, a highly contagious acute viral disease, can result in serious complications and death. During January 1-April 25, 2008, a total of 64 confirmed measles cases were preliminarily reported to CDC, the most reported by this date for any year since 2001.- Earthquakes (April 2008)
In April, a magnitude-4.7 earthquake hit the Reno, Nevada area and a magnitude-5.2 earthquake shook southern Illinois. By planning and practicing what to do in the event of an earthquake, you and your family can learn to react quickly and safely when the shaking begins. - Salmonella Agona (April 2008)
CDC collaborated with public health officials in multiple states across the United States and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Agona infections. 
Selenium (March 2008)
Recall of dietary supplements has brought attention to selenium, a naturally occurring trace mineral element found in rocks and soils. It is needed in small amounts for good health, but exposure to high levels can result in neurological effects, brittle hair, and deformed nails.
Tornadoes (March 2008)
Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family.- Floods (March 2008)
Facts to protect your health and safety. 
Wildfires (March 2008)
Learn how to stay safe when wildfires are a threat.
Ricin (February 2008)
Ricin is made from the waste left over from processing castor beans, and can be extremely lethal. It has some potential medical uses, such as bone marrow transplants and cancer treatment (to kill cancer cells).
Satellite Fuel (February 2008)
Hydrazine is the rocket fuel found on the satellite that was destroyed February 20. Hydrazines are clear, colorless liquids with an ammonia-like odor. Hydrazines are used as rocket propellants and fuels, boiler water treatments, chemical reactants, medicines, and in cancer research.
School Violence (February 2008)
School shootings are sobering and tragic events that cause much concern about the safety of children. CDC has assembled a collection of resources on violence prevention to help parents, students, and school personnel cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
Recent Tornadoes (February 2008)
Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family.
Avian Flu
Get the latest information about bird flu.
- Page last reviewed April 10, 2009
- Page last updated April 10, 2009
- Content source: CDC Emergency Communication System (ECS), Division of Health Communication and Marketing (DHCM), National Center for Health Marketing (NCHM)
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