[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 74 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18914-18921]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9248]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority

    Part C (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) of the 
Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of 
the Department of Health and Human Services (45 FR 67772-76, dated 
October 14, 1980, and corrected at 45 FR 69296, October 20, 1980, as 
amended most recently at 66 FR 39178-39179, dated July 27, 2001) is 
amended to reorganize the National Center for Infectious Diseases.
    Section C-B, Organization and Functions, is hereby amended as 
follows:
    Delete the functional statement for the National Center for 
Infectious Diseases (HCR) and insert the following:
    Plans, directs, and coordinates a national program to improve the 
identification, investigations, diagnosis, prevention, and control of 
infectious diseases. In carrying out the mission, the Center: (1) 
Provides leadership in investigation and diagnosis of infectious 
diseases of public health significance: (2) maintains surveillance of 
infectious diseases, disability, and death; (3) conducts applied and 
operational research related to definition, distribution, diagnosis, 
prevention, and control of infectious diseases, including vaccine 
development; (4) administers a

[[Page 18915]]

biological reagents program which includes research on production, 
development of guidelines for production and utilization, and 
standardization, production, and distribution of reference reagents; 
(5) produces, evaluates and distributes experimental vaccines, antisera 
and antitoxins, skin test antigens, and immune serum globulins to 
control and prevent laboratory infections and to prevent or minimize 
illness in certain production groups; (6) produces and distributes 
microbiological reference and working reagents not commercially 
available or of unreliable supply; (7) conducts applied research 
related to vectors of disease; (8) provides epidemic assistance; (9) 
maintains competence in the detection, identification, and control of 
rare, exotic, or tropical diseases; (10) provides reference diagnostic 
services; (11) provides technical assistance to states and localities 
and to other nations in the investigation, diagnosis prevention, and 
control of infectious diseases; (12) provides scientific services in 
support of CDC's laboratories; (13) provides epidemic aid to foreign 
nations and assists other nations in establishing and implementing 
infectious disease control program; and (14) collaborates, as 
appropriate, with other Centers and Offices of the CDC in carrying out 
the above functions.
    Delete in its entirety the title and functional statement for the 
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases (HCRY) and insert the 
following:
    Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases (HCRU). (1) Conducts 
surveillance, investigations, and studies of viral and rickettsial 
diseases to define their etiology and epidemiology and to develop 
effective methods for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control; 
and (2) conducts or participates in clinical, field, and laboratory 
research to develop, evaluate, and improve laboratory methods, 
materials, and therapeutic practices used for prevention, diagnosis, 
treatment, and control of viral, rickettsial, and prison diseases; (3) 
conducts research on virus transmission to develop effective prevention 
and control strategies and on vaccine effectiveness to assess 
prevention potential; (4) conducts laboratory, clinical, and 
epidemiologic studies of highly hazardous disease agents that require 
biosafety level 3 or biosafety level 4 security for their safe 
handling; (5) conducts ecological studies to develop and evaluate 
disease prevention and control measures; (6) provides epidemic aid, 
epidemiologic consultation, reference and diagnostic services, and 
technical assistance to state and local health departments, other 
federal agencies, and national and international health organizations; 
(7) provides scientific and technical assistance to other National 
Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC) components when the work requires unique expertise 
or specialized equipment not available in other components; (8) 
provides routine and specialized laboratory training in the diagnosis, 
isolation, and characterization of viral and rickettsial agents to 
personnel from state and local health departments and other national 
and international organizations; (9) provides training opportunities 
for Epidemic Intelligence Service officers and others in CDC sponsored 
programs, including postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and 
other public health and laboratory scientists; (10) provides expert 
pathological support for various infectious diseases to state and local 
health departments, other NCID components, and national and 
international organizations; and (11) serves as appropriately 
designated national and World Health Organization collaborating centers 
for viral and rickettsial diseases.
    Office of Director (HCRU1). (1) Directs and administers the 
programs and activities of the Division of Viral and Rickettsial 
Diseases (DVRD); (2) provides leadership and counsel on policy 
development and interpretation, budget formulation, and program 
planning, development, management, operations, and evaluation; (3) 
provides DVRD-wide administrative and programmatic services and 
coordinates or ensures coordination with the appropriate NCID or CDC 
staff offices; (4) provides liaison with other governmental agencies, 
international organizations, and other groups; (5) coordinates, in 
collaboration with the appropriate NCID and CDC components, 
international health activities related to the prevention and control 
of viral, rickettsial, and prion diseases; (6) coordinates, in 
collaboration with the appropriate CDC, PHS, and non-government 
components, CDC's activities to monitor and improve the safety of blood 
and blood products in the United States and international settings, 
including development and enhancement of surveillance systems, conduct 
of epidemic investigations and risk assessment studies, and development 
and evaluation of prevention strategies; (7) serves as a liaison 
between CDC and other PHS agencies, the Department of Health and Human 
Services, non-governmental organizations, and professional groups on 
blood safety issues through active participation in federal advisory 
committees and technical committees; (8) conducts surveillance and 
epidemiologic investigations to facilitate the understanding and 
control of prion diseases, Reye syndrome, and Kawasaki syndrome; (9) 
serves as the primary disseminator of information from CDC, including 
clinical and disease prevention consultations to state and local health 
departments and/or federal and international agencies on the illnesses 
and syndromes caused by or related to viruses, rickettsiae, and prions; 
(10) augments the statistical and epidemiologic resources for the 
branches within the Division through provision of consultations and 
support for specific projects or investigations and helps develop, 
support, and coordinate statistical activities at the division level; 
(11) provides scientific and editorial review and clearance of 
manuscripts for publication, abstracts for presentation, protocols for 
Institutional Review Board (IRB) and human subjects review, and other 
scientific, programmatic, and informational materials; and (12) 
coordinates the implementation of a comprehensive public health 
communication program for the prevention and control of diseases caused 
by viruses, rickettsiae, and prions.
    Information Technology Activity (HCRU12). (1) Designs, implements, 
and maintains network systems for internal and external user 
connectivity for accessing, transferring, and storing data; (2) 
provides user support for desktop operating systems and software; (3) 
continuously consults with user community to ascertain information 
technology needs and to develop strategic and action plans; (4) 
provides technical expertise in the design, development, and support of 
database management systems; (5) in collaboration with other branches 
and activities, develops systems to facilitate the acquisition of 
surveillance data electronically; (6) represents the division on NCID 
and CDC workgroups and councils and in other IRM related activities; 
(7) provides graphic support for presentation and desktop publishing; 
(8) provides intranet services, technical expertise, and support for 
the development and implementation of web services; (9) provides 
technical and cost related consultation to DVRD's Office of the 
Director and Branches; (10) provides assistance to the end-user 
community for understanding new technology through information

[[Page 18916]]

dissemination, coordination, and establishment of training; and (11) 
provides assurance that IRM regulations, policies, procedures, and 
standards are incorporated into the Division's information technology 
plans and activities.
    Infectious Disease Pathology Activity (HCRU13). (1) Serves as a 
scientific and technical resource to NCID by providing expertise in 
histopathology, molecular pathology, and ultrastructural analysis for 
detecting infectious disease agents and studying the interactions 
between microbial agents and host cells; (2) develops, improves, 
evaluates, and applies special immunohistologic, ultrastructural, and/
or nucleic acid probe technologies for detecting microbial agents and/
or expressed gene products in tissue specimens or tissue culture; (3) 
conducts basic and applied research into the pathogenesis of infectious 
diseases; (4) provides intramural and extramural technical and 
professional expertise for assistance in training in infectious disease 
pathology and molecular approaches to the identification of specific 
nucleic acid sequences and special antigens in tissue specimens; (5) 
provides for tracking, distribution, and testing of reference/
diagnostic pathology specimens submitted through the data and special 
handling system; (6) provides histopathology, molecular pathology, and 
ultrastructure reference/diagnostic support and epidemic aid to state 
and local health departments, other federal agencies, and national and 
international health organizations; and (7) serves as the WHO 
Collaborating Center for Reference Pathology of Hemorrhagic Fevers and 
other Infectious Diseases.
    Influenza Branch (HCRU2). Provides leadership and technical 
expertise for national and international programs aimed at improving 
the prevention and control of both epidemic and pandemic influenza. In 
carrying out this mission, the Influenza Branch: (1) Conducts global 
and national surveillance to identify novel variants with the potential 
to cause influenza epidemics and pandemics and monitors associated 
disease activity; (2) conducts investigations of important or unusual 
international and domestic influenza outbreaks; (3) conducts 
epidemiological and laboratory investigations to increase knowledge 
about influenza and to improve its prevention and control; (4) provides 
information and recommendations on the use of vaccines, antiviral 
agents, and other modalities to prevent, control, and treat influenza; 
(5) serves as the WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research 
on Influenza; (6) provides influenza reagents to World Health 
Organization Collaborating Laboratories worldwide and maintains a 
reference collection of human, swine, and avian influenza viruses and 
antisera; (7) performs reference antigenic analysis, molecular biologic 
analysis of influenza virus isolates, and post-vaccination human 
serologic studies for vaccine strain selection; (8) conducts studies 
into the evolution, structure, replication, immunology, and 
pathogenesis of influenza viruses; (9) evaluates influenza vaccine and 
antiviral agents developed elsewhere; (10) develops and evaluates 
novel, improved influenza vaccines and vaccines that might be used in 
the case of an influenza pandemic; (11) develops, evaluates, and 
improves new techniques and reagents for the diagnosis of influenza in 
humans as well as the rapid identification of avian and swine influenza 
viruses that may cause human infections; (12) supports applied research 
directed toward improved influenza prevention and control; (13) 
provides support for national epidemiologic and laboratory capacity 
building; (14) initiates and conducts national and international 
laboratory and epidemiologic training courses; and (15) provides 
technical expertise and leadership for national and international 
pandemic planning activities.
    Epidemiology Section (HCRU23). (1) Conducts national surveillance 
and assists with global surveillance to monitor influenza viruses and 
their impact on populations; (2) conducts investigations of unusual or 
important influenza outbreaks; (3) conducts research on the control, 
prevention, surveillance, and epidemiology of influenza; (4) develops, 
implements, and evaluates strategies and recommendations, including 
those related to use of vaccines, drugs, and other measures, for the 
control and prevention of influenza; (5) provides expert consultation 
and information on the control, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of 
influenza; and (6) provides instruction on the epidemiology and 
surveillance of influenza.
    Molecular Genetics Section (HCRU22). (1) Applies molecular 
biological and genetic techniques to analyze the evolution of human 
influenza viruses; (2) performs molecular analysis of novel influenza 
viruses isolated from humans that are submitted to the WHO 
Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; (3) 
develops vaccines against novel influenza viruses using genetic and 
recombinant DNA techniques; (4) conducts studies on live attenuated 
influenza vaccines to determine the molecular correlates of attenuation 
and their genetic stability; (5) uses molecular biological techniques 
to determine the genetic basis for specific phenotypes of influenza 
viruses such as altered host-range, virulence, and antiviral 
resistance; (6) develops molecular biological methods for the rapid 
identification of reassortant viruses bearing genes derived from human 
and avian or swine influenza viruses; and (7) provides molecular 
biological support for the development of diagnostic tools or tests for 
influenza.
    Immunology and Viral Pathogenesis Section (HCRU24). (1) Evaluates 
the humoral and cellular immune responses to influenza infection, to 
conventional vaccines, and to experimental vaccines in humans and in 
animal models; (2) develops new technologies to monitor host immune 
responses to human and avian influenza viruses and vaccines; (3) 
investigates the immunobiology of aging as it relates to immunity to 
influenza; (4) develops and evaluates strategies of vaccination against 
pandemic influenza; (5) conducts serological investigations supporting 
epidemic investigations or field studies related to avian influenza 
viruses; and (6) investigates the basis of human and avian influenza 
virus pathogenicity in mammalian species.
    Strain Surveillance Section (HCRU25). (1) Identifies and 
characterizes influenza viruses using serologic and molecular 
techniques; (2) monitors appearance and spread in humans of influenza 
variants with epidemic or pandemic potential; (3) provides laboratory 
support for epidemic investigations or field studies; (4) maintains a 
reference collection of human and animal influenza viruses and the 
corresponding antisera; (5) prepares and distributes reagent kits for 
influenza virus identification to WHO National Influenza Centers 
worldwide as needed for the identification of viruses that pose a 
threat to human health; (6) develops and evaluates new reagents and 
methods to diagnose influenza more rapidly, efficiently, or 
sensitively; (7) coordinates international surveillance on the 
occurrence of antiviral resistance among circulating human influenza 
viruses; (8) collates and disseminates international epidemiological 
and virological information on influenza; (9) provides laboratory 
training to personnel from state and local health departments, WHO's 
National Influenza Centers abroad, and other organizations on 
laboratory techniques for the isolation, identification, 
characterization, and molecular analysis of influenza viruses; (10) 
conducts studies on the immune

[[Page 18917]]

response to influenza variants; (11) conducts phylogenetic and 
evolutionary studies of human or animal influenza viruses of special 
interest; and (12) conducts special studies designed to assess the 
efficacy of administering non-standard doses of conventional vaccines 
and to examine the basis for attenuation of live attenuated influenza 
vaccines.
    Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch (HCRU6). (1) Provides 
reference/diagnostic services and conducts epidemiological studies and 
multinational surveillance for respiratory and enteric diseases; (2) 
monitors respiratory and enteric virus diseases through the National 
Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System, the National 
Enterovirus Surveillance System, and the Global Surveillance Program 
for Wild Polioviruses; (3) conducts clinical and epidemiologic studies 
and investigates outbreaks related to respiratory and enteric virus 
diseases; (4) conducts studies of the biology, biochemical and 
antigenic characteristics, and immunology and pathogenesis of 
respiratory and enteric viruses and associated disease; (5) develops, 
analyzes, and improves diagnostic methods and reagents for respiratory 
and enteric viruses, (6) develops and evaluates vaccines and 
vaccination programs for measles virus, rotavirus, and non-influenza 
respiratory viruses; (7) provides support for global eradication of 
measles virus and poliomyelitis; and (8) serves as the WHO 
Collaborating Center for Virus Reference and Research for Respiratory 
Virus Diseases Other Than Influenza, the WHO Collaborating Center for 
Virus Reference and Research (Enteroviruses), the WHO Collaborating 
Center for Polio, the WHO Collaborating Center for Rotavirus 
Investigators, and the WHO Collaborating Center for Measles.
    Enterovirus Section (HCRU62). (1) Conducts epidemiologic, 
laboratory, biologic, and molecular studies of enterovirus infections 
and develops strategies to prevent the associated diseases; (2) 
provides reference/diagnostic support for typing enterovirus isolates; 
(3) develops and evaluates new diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of 
enteroviral infections; (4) supports surveillance studies of 
enterovirus infections; (5) initiates and supports epidemiologic and 
outbreak investigations of enterovirus infections and associated 
diseases; and (6) provides laboratory training in enterovirus 
diagnostics for persons from state and local health departments and 
other nations.
    Molecular Virology Section (HCRU64). (1) Plans, directs, and 
conducts laboratory studies and programs to support the global 
poliovirus eradication program; (2) develops and applies new molecular 
techniques for understanding the clinical, epidemiologic, and biologic 
characteristics of poliovirus and non-poliovirus enteroviruses; (3) 
conducts laboratory studies of poliovirus that include developing 
techniques and reagents to monitor the distribution and spread of wild 
polioviruses worldwide; (4) supports development of the global 
poliovirus eradication laboratory network; (5) provides laboratory 
support for investigations of outbreaks of poliomyelitis and studies of 
the efficacy of poliovirus vaccines; (6) conducts studies of the 
mechanisms of genetic change of polioviruses and reversion of oral 
attenuated poliovaccine virus to virulent wild-like viruses; and (7) 
serves as a WHO Collaborating Center for Polio.
    Respiratory Virus Section (HCRU66). (1) Plans, directs, and 
coordinates national programs to control and prevent viral respiratory 
diseases (other than influenza virus) and parvovirus associated 
disease; (2) conducts epidemiologic, laboratory, and biologic studies 
of such non-influenza respiratory viruses as adenovirus, coronavirus, 
parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinovirus and 
parvoviruses; (3) provides reference/diagnostic support for identifying 
respiratory virus and parvovirus virus infections and isolates; (4) 
develops and evaluates new methods for diagnosing respiratory virus and 
parvovirus infections; (5) trains persons from state and local health 
departments and others from throughout the world on methods for 
diagnosing respiratory virus and parvovirus infections; (6) initiates 
and supports epidemic investigations of respiratory virus and 
parvovirus infections and associated diseases; (7) conducts 
epidemiologic, immunologic, and virologic studies to support 
development of RSV and parainfluenza virus vaccines; (8) provides 
laboratory support for studies of diseases of unknown etiology; and (9) 
serves as a WHO Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses Other than 
Influenza.
    Viral Gastroenteritis Section (HCRU68). (1) Plans, directs, and 
coordinates the national program to prevent and control viral 
gastrointestinal diseases; (2) conducts epidemiologic, laboratory, 
biologic, and molecular studies of the viral agents of gastroenteritis, 
including rotaviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk and 
Norwalk-related viruses, and enteric adenoviruses, including those 
transmitted by food and water, in order to design prevention strategies 
and improve the health of the public; (3) provides reference/diagnostic 
support for identifying agents of viral gastroenteritis; (4) develops 
and evaluates new methods for diagnosing viral gastroenteritis; (5) 
collaborates and supports studies on effectiveness of vaccine 
candidates; (6) trains persons from state and local health departments 
and others from throughout the world on methods for diagnosing viral 
gastroenteritis; (7) initiates and supports epidemic investigations of 
gastroenteritis; (8) provides laboratory support for studies of disease 
of unknown etiology; and (9) serves as a WHO Collaborating Center for 
Rotavirus Investigators.
    Measles Virus Section (HCRU69). (1) Plans, directs, and coordinates 
laboratory-based surveillance, including serological and molecular 
surveillance, conducts applied research programs and supports domestic 
and regional efforts in the elimination of measles and rubella viruses, 
and supports global programs dedicated to the accelerated control and 
elimination of these agents; (2) develops and applies new molecular and 
immunological techniques for understanding the clinical, epidemiologic, 
and biologic characteristics of measles and related virus infections, 
including rubella and mumps; (3) uses existing and/or developments 
diagnostic and immunological assays to determine the immunological 
correlates of short- and long-term protective immunity that results 
from the administration of current measles vaccines and/or from wild 
type measles virus infections; (4) conducts studies of the extent and 
importance of antigenic and genetic differences among wild-type measles 
virus isolates and currently used vaccine virus strains; (5) 
collaborates in the development of live, subunit, and DNA vaccines and 
alternative delivery routes; (6) evaluates live and/or subunit vaccines 
in appropriate animal model systems; (7) provides laboratory support 
for outreach identification and control, for vaccine trials, and for 
other studies of mutual interest between NCID/NIP and state and 
territorial laboratories pertaining to measles, mumps, and rubella; (8) 
serves as WHO Collaborating Center for Measles and Rubella, WHO Global 
Specialized Measles Laboratory, and PAHO Regional Reference Laboratory 
for measles and rubella; and (9) provides laboratory training to 
personnel from state and local health departments and other national 
and international organizations on measles

[[Page 18918]]

and rubella virus diagnostic serology, virus isolation, and molecular 
epidemiology.
    Special Pathologens Branch (HCRU7). (1) Provides epidemic aid and 
conducts epidemiologic studies on the detection, prevention, and 
control of highly hazardous viral diseases; (2) provides primary 
isolation, identification, and characterization of highly hazardous 
disease agents that require biosafety level 3 or biosafety level 4 
laboratory conditions for their safe handling; (3) develops, evaluates, 
and improves methods for treatment, prevention, and laboratory 
diagnosis of hazardous disease agents; (4) conducts laboratory, 
clinical, and epidemiologic investigations on the pathogenesis, 
pathophysiology, and prevention of viral infections caused by highly 
hazardous viruses; (5) provides consultation on the clinical and 
epidemiologic management of suspected cases and/or epidemics of these 
diseases, including rapid development of a field laboratory; (6) 
consults with national and international scientists on the design, 
staffing, and efficient operation of a high hazard pathogen laboratory 
program; (7) serves as a WHO Collaborating Center for Virus Reference 
and Research for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers; and (8) develops and 
evaluates health education programs for educating the general public 
and health professionals about infection, treatment, infection control 
in clinical settings, prevention, and laboratory diagnosis of highly 
hazardous viral diseases;
    Disease Assessment and Control Section (HCRU74). (1) Provides 
assessment and integration of ecological, epidemiological, and 
laboratory aspects of infection, disease, and prevention of highly 
hazardous viruses; (2) provides primary isolation, identification, and 
characterization of highly hazardous disease agents that require 
biosafety level 3 or 4 laboratory standards for their safe handling; 
(3) develops, evaluates, and improves methods for treatment, 
prevention, and laboratory diagnosis of hazardous disease agents; (4) 
consults with national and international scientists on the design, 
staffing, and efficient operation of a high hazard pathogen laboratory 
program; and (5) serves as the main focus for activities of the Special 
Pathogens Branch as a WHO Collaborating Center.
    Molecular Biology Section (HCRU75). (1) Conducts original studies 
using molecular biological techniques to better understand the biology 
of highly hazardous viruses; (2) uses most efficient methods for 
molecular characterization of newly identified viruses or strains, 
including PCR, cloning, and sequencing of virus genes and protein 
characterization; (3) applies current molecular biological methods in 
developing diagnostic and therapeutic reagents, products, and materials 
for assessment as candidate vaccines for highly hazardous viruses; (4) 
collaborates with other sections in applying new reagents and products 
to the understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunology and 
prevention, and therapy of highly hazardous viruses; and (5) 
collaborates with visiting national and international scientists in 
characterizing exotic, highly hazardous viruses.
    Pathogensis and Immunology Section (HCRU76). (1) Conducts original 
studies on the pathogenesis and immunology of highly hazardous virus 
diseases; (2) conducts studies on the safety of and protection by 
vaccines against highly hazardous viruses in animal models; (3) uses in 
vitro models to assess the role of drug and other biologic agents on 
the pathogenesis and therapy of highly hazardous agents; (4) obtains 
and characterizes virus isolates from patients suspected of being 
infected with highly hazardous viruses; and (5) collaborates with 
visiting scientists and foreign institutions on the study of highly 
hazardous viruses in laboratory and field projects.
    Viral Exanthems and Herpes Virus Branch (HCRU8). (1) Conducts 
surveillance and laboratory-based epidemiologic studies of chronic 
fatigue syndrome (CFS); (2) serves as the WHO Collaborating Center for 
Smallpox and Other Poxvirus Infections and provides reference/
diagnostic services for suspected smallpox and other poxvirus 
infections, with emphasis on bioterrorism; (3) serves as the Varicella 
Zoster Virus National Laboratory; (4) conducts laboratory-based 
epidemiologic studies of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and 
diseases with emphasis on control/prevention of cervical cancer and 
recurrent respiratory papillomatosis; (5) conducts laboratory-based 
epidemiologic studies of herpesviruses, with emphasis on infections in 
immunocomprised hosts, congenital and perinatal infections, and 
disease; (6) conducts research concerning human immune responses to 
herpes, HPV, and poxviruses; (7) develops, evaluates, and improves 
methods and reagents for rapid diagnosis of viral infections; (8) 
provides epidemiology, molecular biology, diagnostic serology/virology, 
and immunology consultation and collaboration to national and 
international organizations concerning prevention and control of CFS, 
poxvirus, HPV, and herpesvirus diseases, virus-associated cancers, and 
vaccine programs; and (9) provides assistance regarding DNA virus 
infection and associations between viruses, host genetics, host immune 
response, and human disease as necessary.
    Epidemiology Section (HCRU83). (1) Conducts surveillance and 
epidemiologic studies of CFS and diseases caused by HPV, herpesviruses, 
and poxviruses, with emphasis on prevention/control strategies; (2) 
supports epidemic investigations of poorly defined syndromic illness 
and diseases associated with poxviruses, HPV, and herpesviruses; (3) 
provides data processing, statistical consultation, and epidemiologic/
statistical collaboration to all sections of VEHB; (4) develops and 
evaluates data processing and statistical methods applicable to 
laboratory assays and investigations conducted by VEHB; (5) 
collaborates with the National Cancer Institute, NIH concerning 
utilization of epidemiologic and genetic data in bioinformatics; and 
(6) provides data processing, statistical, and epidemiology 
consultation and training to personnel from CDC, state and local health 
departments, and other national and international organizations.
    Human Papillomavirus Section (HCRU84). (1) Conducts laboratory-
based epidemiologic studies related to the role of HPV infections in 
human cancers (e.g., cervical cancer); (2) conducts laboratory-based 
epidemiologic studies of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis; (3) 
conducts studies of gene expression of CFS; (4) collaborates in the 
design and conduct of post-infectious fatigues studies and modeling 
studies of fatigue following immune stimulation; (5) conducts studies 
of HPV as opportunistic infections in HIV-positive populations; (6) 
conducts laboratory studies concerning the mechanisms of HPV-induced 
cervical cancer; (7) conducts laboratory studies to understand the 
immunology of HPV infection; (8) develops laboratory methods to improve 
HPV detection and assessment; (9) provides laboratory training and 
consultation concerning studies of gene expression and bioinformatics; 
and (10) provides HPV laboratory training and consultation to national, 
state, local, and foreign authorities concerning cervical cancer 
control programs.
    Herpesvirus Section (HCRU87). (1) Conducts studies on the 
epidemiology and molecular biology of recently discovered herpesviruses 
(e.g., HHV-6, HHV-7 and HHV-8); serves as Varicella Zoster Virus 
National Laboratory to

[[Page 18919]]

develop assays and conduct studies assessing the public health impact 
of immunization against VZV; (3) conducts epidemiology, immunology, and 
molecular biology studies to design control programs for diseases 
associated with congenital acquired cytomegalovirus; (4) conducts 
studies to assess the public health impact of sexually transmitted 
herpesviruses so as to devise new intervention strategies; (5) conducts 
studies to assess the public health impact of herpesviruses that are 
resistant to antiviral drugs; (6) develops, evaluates, and applies new 
methods for detecting, diagnosing, and understanding the biologic 
characteristics of human herpesvirus infections; (7) develops and 
applies new immunologic techniques for characterizing the cellular and 
humoral immune responses to herpesvrus; (8) develops practical methods 
for seroepidemiologic studies of these viruses; (9) conducts studies to 
define the mechanisms and genetic control of herpesvirus latency; and 
(10) trains laboratorians on molecular techniques and immunological 
methods for studying herpesvirus infections.
    Poxvirus Section (HCRU89). (1) Serves as WHO Collaborating Center 
for Smallpox and Other Poxvirus Infections: (2) serves as CDC focal 
point for addressing aspects of bioterrorism involving poxviruses; (3) 
cooperates with WHO to implement recommendations concerning destruction 
of smallpox stores; (4) provides reference, diagnostic, clinical, and 
epidemiologic support for suspected poxvirus infections which may occur 
worldwide either naturally or as acts of bioterrorism; (5) conducts 
laboratory studies to develop, evaluate and improve viral and serologic 
diagnostics that enhance surveillance and counter terrorism activities 
to control human poxvirus infections; (6) conducts molecular biologic 
studies to better understand the basis of poxvirus biotype and 
virulence; and (7) provides laboratory training to personnel from state 
and local health departments and other national and international 
organizations on poxvirus diagnostics.
    Viral and Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch (HCRU9). (1) Provides 
epidemic aid, consultation, surveillance, and epidemiologic and 
ecologic investigations of viral, rickettsial, and bartonella-
associated zoonoses domestically and internationally; (2) conducts 
studies on the microbiology, molecular biology, pathogenesis, and 
pathology of viral, rickettsial, and bartonella-associated zoonotic 
infections; (3) provides reference/diagnostic services domestically and 
internationally; (4) develops, evaluates, and improves methods and 
reagents for diagnosing viral, rickettsial, and bartonella-associated 
diseases; (5) develops and evaluates human and animal vaccines and 
other prophylactic agents for zoonotic diseases and prepares 
recommendations for their use; (6) serves as a WHO Collaborating Center 
for Reference and Research on Rabies and a WHO Collaborating Center for 
Rickettsial and Bartonella-associated Reference and Research; (7) 
provides consultation and laboratory training to state and local health 
departments and other national and international organizations; (8) 
responds to requests for information regarding viral, rickettsial, and 
bartonella-associated zoonotic diseases and their prevention from CDC, 
health care providers, academic institutions, state, and local health 
departments, other government agencies, and the general public; (9) 
collaborates with government agencies, domestic and international 
academic institutions, and the private sector in developing novel 
diagnostic assays and vaccines for viral, rickettsial, and bartonella-
associated zoonotic diseases; and (10) maintains the Bioterrorism 
Laboratory for Coxiella burnetti (Q fever) and rickettsial response and 
research.
    Disease Assessment and Epidemiology Section (HCRU93). (1) Conducts/
coordinates surveillance of human and animal rabies, Lyssaviruses, 
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, the ehrlichioses, bartonella-
associated diseases, and rickettsial diseases; (2) conducts 
epidemiological studies to determine modes of transmission, risk 
factors, and natural history of viral, rickettsial, and bartonella-
associated zoonoses; (3) conducts testing of human and animal tissues 
to assist in the diagnosis of rickettsial and bartonella-associated 
diseases and provides reports and interpretation of results to health 
care providers; (4) maintains databases on serologic and molecular 
biologic test results for rickettsial and bartonella-associated 
zoonotic diseases; (5) provides consultation to local, state, national, 
and international public health officials and the general public on the 
diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of viral, rickettsial and 
bartonella-associated zoonotic diseases; (6) investigates outbreaks and 
conducts epidemiologic investigations of viral, rickettsial, and 
bartonella-associated zoonoses; (7) assists in producing and evaluating 
diagnostic tests for rabies, rickettsial, and bartonella-associated 
infections; (8) evaluates vaccines and other methods of preventing or 
controlling viral, rickettsial, and bartonella-associated zoonoses; and 
(9) coordinates the development of public health policy and 
recommendations regarding vaccines and prevention strategies for viral, 
rickettsial, and bartonella-associated zoonoses.
    Rabies Section (HCRU97). (1) Serves as a national and international 
center for reference, training, consultation, and diagnosis of rabies 
and related zoonoses; (2) develops and evaluates new techniques for 
rabies diagnosis and distributes reference materials to collaborating 
laboratories in accordance with CDC and WHO policies; (3) collaborates 
in the development of new rabies vaccines; (4) conducts studies on 
rabies pathogenesis; (5) investigates the role of strain variation in 
the ecology and natural history of rabies virus infection; (6) provides 
laboratory training on rabies and related viral zoonoses to personnel 
from state and local health departments, other government agencies, and 
international governments and organizations; (7) serves as a WHO 
Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Rabies; and (8) 
responds to requests for information from CDC, other government 
agencies, state and local health departments, health care providers, 
and the general public.
    Rickettsia and Bartonella Section (HCRU98). (1) Conducts 
microbiologic and molecular biologic research into rickettsiae and 
bartonellae of public health importance; (2) conducts research into the 
pathogenesis and pathology of rickettsial diseases; (3) develops and 
maintains databases containing DNA sequences of targeted genes of 
interest from rickettsiae and bartonellae; (4) provides for rickettsial 
and bartonella isolation and assistance in the production of reference 
reagents; (5) provides consultation services to local, national, and 
international rickettsiology and bartonella laboratories; (6) develops 
and evaluates new diagnostic tests for rickettsiae and bartonellae 
prior to routine use by the Disease Assessment and Epidemiology 
Section; (7) participates in the production and distribution of 
rickettsial and bartonella reagents to reference laboratories worldwide 
in accordance with CDC policies; (8) participates in the development of 
improved rickettsial and bartonella-associated vaccines; (9) evaluates 
new therapies and antimicrobial agents for rickettsial and bartonella-
associated diseases; (10) serves as a WHO Collaborating Center for 
Rickettsial and Bartonella-associated Reference and Research; (11) 
conducts training for

[[Page 18920]]

laboratory personnel from state and local public health laboratories as 
well as other national and international organizations; (12) 
collaborates with other CDC and government agencies and responds to 
public inquiries regarding rickettsia, ehrlichia, Q fever, bartonella 
and other designated zoonoses; and (13) maintains the Bioterrorism 
Laboratory for Q fever and rickettsial disease response and research.
    After the Division of Global Migration ad Quarantine (HCR2), insert 
the following:
    Division of Viral Hepatitis (HCR4). (1) Conducts surveillance and 
special studies to determine the epidemiology and disease burden 
associated with acute and chronic infections and liver disease 
associated with hepatitis viruses; (2) conducts epidemiologic and 
laboratory studies, including outbreak investigations, to determine 
risk factors for transmission of infections with hepatitis viruses, 
define the natural history and pathogenesis of these infections, and 
determine their health impact; (3) conducts epidemiologic, clinical, 
laboratory, behavioral, and health communications research to develop 
and evaluate methods and strategies for the prevention of infections 
with hepatitis viruses and their acute and chronic disease 
consequences; (4) develops, implements, communicates, and evaluates 
recommendations and standards for the prevention and control of 
infections and liver disease associated with hepatitis viruses; (5) 
provides technical and programmatic leadership and assistance to state 
and local health departments, non-governmental organizations, and the 
international community to develop, implement, and evaluate programs to 
prevent infections with hepatitis viruses and their consequences, 
including immunization to prevent hepatitis A and eliminate 
transmission of hepatitis B virus infection, counseling and testing to 
prevent and control hepatitis C virus infection, and improvement of 
transfusion and medical practices and reduced frequency of unsafe 
injections to prevent transmission of bloodborne virus infections, 
including hepatitis viruses; (6) provides leadership and coordination 
to integrate viral hepatitis prevention and control activities into 
other prevention programs conducted by CDC, other Federal agencies, and 
health care providers; (7) conducts laboratory, clinical, and 
epidemiologic studies to develop and evaluate methods for the diagnosis 
of infections with hepatitis viruses; (8) identifies and characterizes 
agents and host factors associated with hepatitis and acute and chronic 
liver disease; (9) provides epidemic aid, epidemiologic and laboratory 
consultation, reference diagnostic services, and technical assistance 
to state and local health departments, other federal agencies, other 
components of CDC, and national and international health organizations; 
(10) disseminates information through health communications materials, 
tools and programs, scientific publications, and presentations; (11) 
provides training opportunities for Epidemic Intelligence Service 
Officers and others in CDC sponsored programs, including postgraduate 
students, post-doctoral fellows, and other public health and laboratory 
scientists; and (12) serves as a WHO Collaborating Center for Reference 
and Research on Viral Hepatitis.
    Office of the Director (HCR41). (1) Directs, administers, and 
provides oversight for the programs and activities of DVH, including 
budget formulation and administration; (2) provides leadership and 
counsel on policy development and interpretation and on program 
planning, development, management, and evaluation; (3) provides 
Division-wide administrative and program support services and 
coordinates and ensures coordination with the appropriate National 
Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC) staff offices; (4) provides the leadership and 
coordination, including serving on appropriate advisory committees, to 
integrate viral hepatitis and liver disease prevention and control 
activities into other prevention programs conducted by NCID, CDC, 
Department of Health and Human Services, other Federal agencies, 
international organizations, and other groups; (5) provides leadership 
and oversight to the provision of state-of-the-art informatics for DVH, 
including computer systems and equipment, local area networks, computer 
programs, programming and data management support, and management of 
DVH internet and intranet websites; (6) provides manuscript review and 
clearance and coordination and oversight for studies, human subjects 
review, OMB clearance, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, 
other controlled correspondence, and requests for information; (7) 
coordinates and provides oversight for continuing professional 
education programs for DVH staff; and (8) provides support to DVH 
components in writing and editing, preparation of graphics and other 
visual arts, and conference and exhibit planning, management, and 
execution.
    Epidemiology Branch (HCR42). (1) Monitors and evaluates rates and 
risk factors associated with acute and chronic infections with 
hepatitis viruses, viral hepatitis and liver disease through 
surveillance systems and special studies, including sentinel 
surveillance; (2) conducts research, including outbreak investigations, 
clinical trials and population-based demonstration projects, to 
determine the epidemiology of transmission of known and new hepatitis 
viruses and their variants, the natural history of infections with 
hepatitis viruses, evaluate the performance of diagnostic tests for 
hepatitis virus infections, and evaluate methods and approaches for the 
prevention and control of hepatitis virus infections; (3) estimates 
burden attributable to infections with hepatitis viruses and the 
effectiveness of programs to prevent these infections; (4) provides 
consultation to state, local, national, and international authorities 
for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, the investigation of 
disease outbreaks, and surveillance of hepatitis and liver disease; (5) 
disseminates information through scientific publications and 
presentations; and (6) provides training opportunities for Epidemic 
Intelligence Service Officers and others in CDC sponsored programs, 
postgraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and other public health 
scientists.
    Prevention Branch (HCR43). (1) Develops, administers, implements, 
and evaluates domestic and international programs to prevent viral 
hepatitis, including those that serve clients in the public and private 
sectors, through state and local health departments, health 
organizations, academic institutions, and non-governmental 
organizations; (2) provides leadership and coordination for viral 
hepatitis and liver disease prevention and control programs with other 
components of CDC, other Federal agencies, and non-governmental 
agencies and partners; (3) conducts research to ascertain educational 
and communication needs, best methods of communication, and 
effectiveness of educational programs for health professionals, the 
public, and persons in groups at risk for infection with hepatitis 
viruses and develops and disseminates accurate, timely and effective 
educational materials, tools, and programs related to the prevention of 
viral hepatitis and liver disease; (4) develops and implements 
accurate, timely, and effective educational tools, materials and 
programs for prevention of viral hepatitis and liver disease; (5)

[[Page 18921]]

develops and conducts studies, including economic and behavioral 
studies, to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and programs to 
prevent viral hepatitis and to identify barriers to prevention services 
such as immunization, counseling, testing, medical referral, and 
management; (6) develops and evaluates health services models for 
prevention of infection with hepatitis viruses and associated liver 
disease; (7) provides leadership and coordinates the development of 
national standards and performance objectives for prevention of viral 
hepatitis and liver disease and works with agencies and partners to 
adopt these standards; (8) develops indicators and measures by which to 
evaluate the performance and effectiveness of viral hepatitis 
prevention programs; (9) disseminates information through scientific 
publications and presentations; and (10) provides training 
opportunities for Epidemic Intelligence Service Officers and others in 
CDC sponsored programs, postgraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, 
and other public health scientists.
    Laboratory Branch (HCR44). (1) Conducts research and applies state-
of-the-art laboratory methods in support of studies related to the 
epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, and natural history of acute and 
chronic infections with hepatitis viruses and liver disease; (2) 
conducts research to develop and validate diagnostic approaches to 
identify infections with hepatitis viruses; (3) develops and evaluates 
methods to prevent acute and chronic infection and disease outcomes, 
including vaccines; (4) determines the viral, immunologic, and other 
host responses to infection with hepatitis viruses in humans and animal 
models; (5) identifies and characterizes agents that cause hepatitis; 
(6) provides reference diagnostic testing for markers of infection with 
hepatitis viruses for state and local public health laboratories; (7) 
provides the leadership and collaboration to ensure the transfer to 
public health laboratories, both nationally and internationally, state-
of-the-art methods and approaches for the identification and diagnosis 
of infections with hepatitis viruses; (8) develops and maintains 
archives of clinical specimens from clinical trials and epidemiologic 
and laboratory studies; (9) disseminates information through scientific 
publications and presentations; and (10) provides training 
opportunities for persons in CDC sponsored programs, postgraduate 
students, post-doctoral fellows, and other public health scientists.

    Dated: April 14, 2002.
David W. Fleming,
Acting Director, CDC.
[FR Doc. 02-9248 Filed 4-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-18-M