Response plans
Depending on the agent that was detected, a response plan is set into motion. The immediate concern is the health of those who may have been exposed. For example, one action that may be taken is to give medicine to those who may have been exposed to the threat agent to prevent them from getting sick or to reduce the effects of their illness. Whether people are given medicine, such as antibiotics, depends upon the agent and their risk for getting sick. Anthrax, for example, calls for antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. Other threat agents, such as ricin toxin, have no drug treatment and call for supportive care if a person develops symptoms. For treatment information on specific terrorism-related diseases, visit CDC’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Website.