Feb 23 (Reuters) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Principal Deputy Director Ralph Abraham has stepped down, the agency said on Monday, announcing the exit of its second top official this month.

The CDC, which is temporarily being run by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, said the departure was effective immediately and attributed it to unforeseen family obligations. It did not comment on who would replace Abraham.

His exit follows that of Jim O'Neill, who was acting CDC director since August in addition to him functioning as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services.