Which of the following is an example of an infectious disease monitored by public health agencies?

Influenza is an example of an infectious disease that public health agencies closely monitor due to its potential for outbreaks and significant impact on community health. It is caused by the influenza virus, which can spread easily from person to person, especially during seasonal epidemics. Public health agencies track influenza cases to understand the spread of the virus, to implement vaccination campaigns, and to manage healthcare resources effectively during peak seasons. Monitoring allows for timely public health responses, including vaccination programs and public awareness initiatives aimed at reducing transmission rates.

In contrast, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension are classified as non-communicable diseases. These conditions do not spread from person to person, which significantly differentiates their management and monitoring. Public health agencies do monitor these diseases for trends and public health implications, but they typically focus on chronic disease prevention strategies rather than infectious disease control measures.