How to Cite Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in APA Format

Complete guide to citing Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

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Quick Reference: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report-Specific Notes:
Citing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) in APA 7th edition requires attention to specific formatting nuances that differ from typical journal article citations. The MMWR is a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and when citing it, the CDC is treated as the author. The correct format is: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Year, Month Day). Title of the article. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Volume(Issue), Page range. URL. Unlike standard journal articles which list individual authors, the organizational author format simplifies the citation process when the CDC is the sole author.

One common area of confusion is the treatment of the CDC as the author, which can lead to incorrect listings of individual article authors if students aren't familiar with this convention. Additionally, students often struggle with the correct formatting of issue numbers and URLs, particularly when these details are not immediately clear on the publication's webpage. Best practices include closely following the title capitalization rules and ensuring the publication date is accurately reflected. Also, students should verify the presence of a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) and use it in place of a URL if available, as this is preferred in APA format.

To avoid common mistakes, students should always double-check that the CDC is consistently used as the author in their reference list, and they should ensure that all publication details are sourced directly from the MMWR website or database where the report was accessed. This approach, coupled with a careful review of the APA guidelines specific to government reports, will help maintain accuracy and adherence to citation standards.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Journal Article format with Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report specifics
- Locate citation info on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report's website
- Handle Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-11-01 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

To effectively locate citation information for articles from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), follow these straightforward steps, which will guide you through the unique layout of this publication's online platform:

Author Information

  1. Locate the Article: Begin by navigating to the MMWR website, typically accessed through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site or by directly searching for a specific report using Google.
  2. Find the Author Byline: On the MMWR article page, the author information is typically listed at the top of the article, just below the article title. In some cases, this may include a list of contributing authors or an acknowledgment of the organizational authorship by the CDC.

Publication Date

  1. Identify the Date: The publication date is prominently displayed just below the article title and author byline. It is crucial for proper citation as it indicates the timeliness and relevance of the data presented.

Article Title

  1. Observe the Headline: The title of the article is presented in large, bold font at the very top of the page. This title is critical for citation as it uniquely identifies the content discussed in the report.

URL/Access Information

  1. Copy the URL: The URL is found in the browser's address bar at the top of your web browser. This link is essential as it provides direct access to the article for verification and further reference.
  2. Stable URLs: MMWR typically provides stable URLs, meaning they are unlikely to change, which is advantageous for creating lasting citations.

Unique Features of MMWR

By following these steps, students can efficiently gather all necessary citation components directly from the MMWR website. This process ensures that citations are accurate and in compliance with academic standards, such as APA 7th edition guidelines, which require specific details like author(s), publication year, title, and URL for online sources.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Citation

How to Create a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Citation in APA Style

Citing sources correctly is essential for academic writing. This guide will help you create a citation for a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) article using APA style. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your citation is accurate.

What You Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify the Authors
    - Action: Locate the authors of the article you wish to cite. This information is usually found at the top of the article.
    - Verification: Ensure you have the last names and initials of all authors listed. If there are multiple authors, note how many there are.
    - Time Estimate: 2-5 minutes
    - Tip: If an article has more than 20 authors, list the first 19 followed by an ellipsis and then the last author's name.

  2. Determine the Year of Publication
    - Action: Find the publication date, which is typically displayed near the title or at the end of the article.
    - Verification: Confirm that the year corresponds to the article you are citing.
    - Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes
    - Tip: If the article is part of a series, check if the publication year is consistent across the series.

  3. Write the Title of the Article
    - Action: Look for the title of the article. Write it down exactly as it appears in the publication.
    - Verification: Ensure that the title is not in italics and that only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
    - Time Estimate: 1-3 minutes
    - Tip: If the title is long, focus on the key aspects that represent the article’s content.

  4. Find the Title of the Journal
    - Action: Identify "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" as the journal title.
    - Verification: Ensure that the journal title is italicized and capitalized correctly.
    - Time Estimate: 1 minute
    - Tip: Remember that journal titles are always in italics in APA style.

  5. Locate the Volume and Issue Numbers
    - Action: Look for the volume and issue numbers. These are usually listed near the journal title.
    - Verification: Make sure you have the correct volume and issue numbers. The volume number should be italicized, while the issue number should be in parentheses and not italicized.
    - Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes
    - Tip: If an issue number is not available, you can omit that part of the citation.

  6. Determine the Page Range
    - Action: Find the page range of the article. This is usually listed at the bottom of the article or in the header.
    - Verification: Ensure that you include all pages that the article spans, using a hyphen to connect the first and last pages.
    - Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes
    - Tip: If the article is not paginated, you may use "e.g." and provide a direct link instead.

  7. Add the DOI or URL
    - Action: Locate the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or the URL of the article. This is essential for online articles.
    - Verification: Make sure the DOI starts with "https://doi.org/" or that the URL is active and leads directly to the article.
    - Time Estimate: 2-5 minutes
    - Tip: If no DOI is available, use the direct URL of the article.

  8. Compile Your Citation
    - Action: Combine all the information you have gathered into the correct APA format.
    - Format: Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx
    - Verification: Review your citation for accuracy, ensuring all elements are in the correct order and format.
    - Time Estimate: 2-4 minutes
    - Tip: Use a citation management tool or a template to streamline the process.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you can create a proper citation for a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article in APA style. Practice will make this process easier over time. Always double-check your citations against the

Real Examples from Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

This section provides authentic citation examples from Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report using recent publications from 2023-2024.

To fulfill your request, I would typically access the latest articles from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and provide accurate APA 7th edition citations. However, as I cannot access external databases or real-time web content, I will guide you on how to format citations for such articles using hypothetical examples that adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines.

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description: A recent article in the MMWR discusses the impact of vaccination campaigns on reducing flu incidence in 2023.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    Smith, J. A. (2023). The impact of vaccination campaigns on flu incidence: A 2023 case study. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(5), 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1234/mmwr.2023.56789

  2. In-text Citation (Parenthetical format): (Smith, 2023)

  3. In-text Citation (Narrative format): Smith (2023)

  4. Notes: This example highlights a typical citation for an article authored by an individual, focusing on flu vaccination impacts.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description: The CDC reports on the latest trends in COVID-19 variants.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). COVID-19 variant trends in the United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(7), 234-240. https://doi.org/10.1234/mmwr.2023.67890

  2. In-text Citation (Parenthetical format): (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023)

  3. In-text Citation (Narrative format): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023)

  4. Notes: This example uses a corporate author, which is common for reports published by governmental agencies like the CDC.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description: An article addresses multi-author research on mental health trends post-pandemic.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    Johnson, L. M., Ruiz, P. Q., & Taylor, H. L. (2023). Mental health trends post-pandemic: An analysis. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(9), 345-352. https://doi.org/10.1234/mmwr.2023.78901

  2. In-text Citation (Parenthetical format): (Johnson, Ruiz, & Taylor, 2023)

  3. In-text Citation (Narrative format): Johnson, Ruiz, and Taylor (2023)

  4. Notes: This citation demonstrates how to format references when multiple authors contribute to a study.

Example 4: Special Formatting Cases

Scenario Description: A special report in the MMWR covering a new methodology for disease surveillance.

  1. Complete Reference List Citation:
    Lee, K. N., & Patel, S. P. (2023). New methodologies in disease surveillance: An MMWR special report. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(11), 456-463. https://doi.org/10.1234/mmwr.2023.89012

  2. In-text Citation (Parenthetical format): (Lee & Patel, 2023)

  3. In-text Citation (Narrative format): Lee and Patel (2023)

  4. Notes: This example illustrates special formatting for a "special report" within the MMWR, emphasizing the unique context of the publication.

These examples are structured to guide you in creating citations for articles from the MMWR, using typical formats you might encounter. Remember to verify details such as volume, issue numbers, and DOIs from the actual articles when preparing your citations.

Common Issues When Citing Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Problem 1: Identifying the Author

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to correctly identify the author when citing articles from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Why It Happens:
This issue arises because the MMWR is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and articles may not list individual authors. Instead, the CDC or a specific department within it is often the author.

Solution:
1. Identify the Organizational Author: If individual authors are not listed, use "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" as the author.
2. Check for Specific Departments: Sometimes, a specific CDC department is credited. Use the department name if it is mentioned.

Example:
- Before: [No clear author identified]
- After: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Problem 2: Date Formats

Issue Description:
Students are confused about how to correctly format dates for MMWR citations, particularly when dealing with weekly publications.

Why It Happens:
MMWR articles are often published weekly, and specific dates need to be accurately reflected in the citation.

Solution:
1. Use the Year, Month Day Format: For MMWR articles, the correct format is YYYY, Month Day. This reflects the specific publication date.
2. Locate the Date on the Article: The publication date is usually found at the top of the article or in the citation information provided by MMWR.

Example:
- Before: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)
- After: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, October 12)

Problem 3: URL Handling

Issue Description:
Students often misuse or fail to include the correct URL when citing MMWR articles.

Why It Happens:
The URLs for MMWR articles can be long and complex, and there is uncertainty about whether to include them and how to format them.

Solution:
1. Include a Direct URL: Always include a direct link to the article if available. This aids in retrieval.
2. Format URLs Correctly: Ensure the URL is complete and starts with "https://". Do not add a period at the end of the URL.

Example:
- Before: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7001e1.htm.
- After: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7001e1.htm

Problem 4: Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students may be unsure about how to handle access information in MMWR citations, especially if articles are freely available.

Why It Happens:
MMWR articles are publicly accessible, which can lead to confusion about how to denote access requirements in citations.

Solution:
1. No Access Date Required: Since MMWR articles are freely accessible and not behind a paywall, there is no need to include an access date.
2. Ensure Open Access Noted: If needed, clarify that the source is publicly available for reassurance.

Example:
- Before: Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7001e1.htm
- After: Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7001e1.htm

Conclusion

Citing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report can be challenging due to its unique publication format and authorship conventions. By understanding how to handle organizational authors, date formats, URLs, and access requirements, students can ensure accurate and effective citations in accordance with APA guidelines. Consistent practice with these elements will streamline the citation process and improve the quality of academic writing.

Note: For general Journal Article citation errors, see How to Cite Journal Article.

Frequently Asked Questions About Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Q: How can I navigate the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report’s website to find the necessary information for my citation?

A: Visit the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) website and locate the article you wish to cite. Ensure you have the title, volume and issue number, publication date, and page numbers, which are usually listed at the top or bottom of the article page. Access these details to construct your citation accurately.

Q: How should I handle the unique author formats when citing articles from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in APA?

A: MMWR articles often list the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the corporate author. In such cases, use "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" as the author in your citation. If individual authors are listed, include their names in the usual format, followed by "and" and then "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" in parentheses.

Q: What is the correct way to deal with the publication date format for Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in APA citations?

A: The publication date for MMWR should be listed as year, month, and day (e.g., 2023, October 15). This format helps to pinpoint the exact release date of the weekly report, which is crucial for articles that are time-sensitive.

Q: Are there specific URL and access requirements to consider when citing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report?

A: Include the direct URL to the article on the MMWR or CDC website in your citation. Since the MMWR is publicly accessible, no retrieval date or database name is needed. Ensure the URL leads directly to the full text for ease of verification by your readers.

Q: How does citing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report differ from other journal article sources in APA format?

A: Unlike other journals, MMWR often uses the CDC as the corporate author and includes more detailed publication dates. Additionally, MMWR articles are government documents, which means they are often freely available online, negating the need for database retrieval details, but necessitating correct URL inclusion.

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