The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified six diseases that are to be the highest priority for the U.S. public health system. The CDC says these diseases pose a threat to national security because they are caused by organisms that:

• can be easily disseminated or are transmitted from person to person
• may result in public panic and social disruption
• cause death in a high percentage of those infected
• require special action for public health preparedness

Information from the CDC on each disease is presented here, including explanations of how the diseases are spread and whether they can be treated or prevented. Choose one of the images above to learn more about each disease.