Chain Reaction

Whether responding to a terrorist attack with biological agents or a naturally-occurring infectious disease, the health care system is only as strong as its weakest link, health officials say.

Hospitals

• beds
• isolation facilities
• critical equipment, such as ventilators
• key personnel, such as nurses

Health Departments

• key personnel, especially nurses and epidemiologists
• critical communications technologies, including computers and Internet access

Public Health Laboratories

• critical shortfalls of skilled personnel
• inadequate facilities and equipment
• poor physical security
• inadequate relationships with clinical labs