Frequently Asked Questions

The Health Department has developed systems for rapid detection and investigation of disease outbreaks that could be the first indication of a biological attack. Early detection of illness caused by a bioterrorist attack saves lives. The earlier an act of BT is detected, the earlier it can be controlled. Local hospitals and doctors will be the first to see illness in the event of a BT attack. Health care staff assist in early detection efforts by reporting unusual disease occurrence to the Health Department and by learning the syndromes associated with possible bioterrorist disease agents.

The Health Department is well prepared to respond to public health emergencies. In emergencies the Health Department works with law enforcement, fire departments, health care facilities and voluntary agencies like the Red Cross. If immediate action on your part is needed to protect your health from a disease outbreak, that information will be made public by the Health Department via the media. As you would for other emergency situations, have your list of important telephone numbers – including your physician’s number – available.

No. Using antibiotics at the wrong time or in the wrong way can lead to harmful side effects (especially for pregnant women and children) and can make bacteria and other organisms resistant to antibiotics. There are supplies of antidotes and antibiotics available in the event of an emergency.

The Health Department does not recommend that citizens purchase gas masks. Most gas masks are not designed to protect against biologic agents and are only effective against chemical agents and are only effective against chemical agents if worn at the time of release. They are also impractical because the cartridge must be changed every few hours. Gas masks must be fitted properly; if not, serious injury or even death could result.

In Los Angeles County we have always had to be prepared for earthquakes. Preparing for a terrorist incident is much like preparing for an earthquake or other disaster. Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. Families can – and do – cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least 3 days. Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit with items you may need in an emergency. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags or covered trash containers. For a list of items to include, please visit this page:

The steps to take in case of a terrorist attack depend on the type of attack. Please visit this page for an explanation: