Recent Outbreaks and Incidents

California Wildfires (May 2013)
This was an unusually large fire for the spring in California, that burned more than 8,000 acres of brushland along coastal Venture County and into the Santa Monica Mountains. Learn how to stay safe and healthy during a wildfire.

Fertilizer Plant Explosion in West, Texas (April 2013)
On April 17, 2013, an ammonium nitrate explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution facility in West, Texas. Learn more mass casualty event related health and safety information.

Ricin Event (April 2013)
On April 16, 2013, letters mailed to President Barack Obama and other officials laced with Ricin were intercepted and quarantined. Learn more about this dangerous substance.

Boston Marathon Bombing (April 2013)
During the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, two pressure cooker bombs exploded near the finish line, killing 3 people and injuring 264. Learn more about bombing related health and safety information.

Spring Floods (April 2013)
U.S. Midwest states and others near rivers cope with flooding due to heavy spring downpours. Learn key facts about flood readiness.

Tornado Outbreaks Across The U.S. (January 2013)
On January 29 - 30, 2013 was recorded as the third largest January tornado outbreak, affecting 11 states and 43 confirmed tornadoes. Learn more what to do before, during and after a tornado.

CDC Continues Support for Global Polio Eradication Effort (January 2013)
On Wednesday, December 14, CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., charged the entire CDC community to become active participants in an intensified strategy to eradicate polio, worldwide. CDC’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated for the agency’s partnership engagement through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).