The main goal of the CDC established in 1946 was to prevent what?

The main goal of the CDC, established in 1946, was to prevent malaria, particularly in the context of post-World War II America, when malaria was a significant public health challenge. The agency initially focused on controlling the spread of malaria through improved surveillance, management of mosquito populations, and public health education. This focus was crucial to protect military personnel and civilian populations from diseases that could hamper public health and military effectiveness.

While the control of infectious diseases and preventing disease spread are broader objectives that the CDC has embraced over time, the agency's inception was specifically directed toward malaria due to its prevalence and impact at that time. The emphasis on malaria shaped many early public health programs and strategies, leading to the eventual broader mission of the CDC in controlling various infectious and non-communicable diseases.