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A Health Emergency is a lot more likely to occur naturally rather than the result of someone’s actions; although we do need to be prepared to handle either scenario.  Health Emergencies will always differ due to the virulence of the illness as well as the breadth of population that it affects. Most emergencies in the health arena are caused by communicable or rather infectious diseases.  These communicable diseases are caused by some of the smallest forms of life: bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoa.   The most fundamental step of infection must be taken into account when preparing for a pandemic and that is the pathogen must first enter the body.  This can be achieved in several ways, but some of the most popular ways are through the lungs, mouth, mucous glands, and contact with skin injuries.  When a person’s immune system fails to fight off this pathogen is when the community needs to become wary that a health emergency may be on the communities’ hands.  Specific illnesses that could cause a health emergency: influenza (flu), measles, SARS, West Nile Virus, a smallpox release, bacterial meningitis, botulism, and anthrax. Fortunately many bacterial diseases such as anthrax, botulism, and bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. Health Emergencies can also arise from other processes that are not infectious; examples of these are chemicals, radiation, or natural disasters can all cause physical illnesses and problems.  To familiarize yourself with greater detail about these diseases and how to combat them please visit: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/. What to do during a health emergency: •    Stay calm and listen for instructions from either the radio or television. •    DO NOT GO OUTSIDE UNLESS DIRECTED BY OFFICIALS. •    If the situation you are in is dire then contact 911 for life threatening assistance For Additional Information: •    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)