Tom Harkin: “I would like to recognize the outstanding career of a dedicated civil servant, Iowan Dr. Nancy Cox, who will retire in…”

“I would like to recognize the outstanding career of a dedicated civil servant, Iowan Dr. Nancy Cox, who will retire in November 2014 after 37 years of distinguished Federal service at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Cox started working on influenza at CDC in 1976. Thirty-seven years and 278 publications later, she has transformed the surveillance and science of influenza viruses and vaccines. Her scientific work has been critical, given the tremendous global burden of human seasonal influenza--1 billion cases, 3 to 5 million severe illnesses, and 300,000 to 500,000 deaths each year. In addition, avian or swine influenza viruses can adapt to human-to-human transmission, leading to global and devastating pandemics with disruption in commerce and tragic numbers of illnesses and deaths. The breadth and depth of influenzas impact is vast, underscoring Dr. Cox's vital contribution from her science and service. Dr. Cox began her senior leadership duties years ago directing a small branch of 40 to 50 staff. Today she oversees more than 320 staff, and the Influenza Division she directs has broad responsibilities as the U.S. Government, USG, lead for influenza prevention and control, and as one of five World Health Organization Collaborating Centers for the Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza. Dr. Cox recognized that influenza prevention and control requires a broad, multifaceted surveillance effort.…”