Recent Outbreaks and Incidents - 2013

Investigation of an Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the United States (June 2013)
Since June 28, 2013, CDC has been collaborating with public health officials in multiple states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (June 2013)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is caused by a coronavirus called MERS-CoV. CDC is working with partners to better understand the risks of this virus, including the source, how it spreads, and how infections might be prevented.

El Reno, Oklahoma Tornado (May 2013)
On May 31, 2013, a large EF5 tornado touched down in El Reno, Oklahoma. This was the largest recorded tornado in the United States, 2.6 miles wide and wind speeds that reached nearly 300 mph, just shy of the strongest winds ever measured. Learn more about what you can do to protect you and your family before, during and after a tornado.

Moore, Oklahoma Tornado Emergency (May 2013)
On May 20, 2013, a massive tornado estimated to be at least two miles wide and wind speeds between 166 to 200 mph, touched down and tore through Moore, Oklahoma. Learn more what to do before, during and after a tornado.

North Texas Tornadoes (May 2013)
On May 15, 2013, as many as 10 tornadoes tore through North Texas overnight, leaving six dead and dozens more homeless. Granbury, about 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, bore the brunt of the damage with wind speeds between 166 and 200 mph. Learn more about preparing for unpredictable spring weather.

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 Ventura 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).