What type of diseases was the Center for Communicable Diseases focused on in its inception?

The correct choice highlights that the Center for Communicable Diseases initially concentrated solely on infectious diseases. When the center was established, its primary mission was to address outbreaks and control the spread of diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This focus on infectious diseases included prevention, detection, and response efforts aimed at protecting public health from epidemics and pandemics.

The historical context is essential here; while the scope of public health organizations has evolved to address a broader range of health concerns, including chronic and genetic diseases, the early focus was strictly on communicable diseases due to their immediate impact on population health and the need for rapid response mechanisms. This central goal was reflected in the creation of various programs and initiatives aimed at surveillance, research, and education related specifically to infectious diseases.