SPA8 - South Bay - Long Beach Area Health Office

SPA8 - South Bay - Long Beach Area Health Office - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Department of Homeland Security Advisory System and what do the color codes mean?

Answer: The Department of Homeland Security was created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The new department's first priority is to protect the nation against further terrorist attacks. DHS is also dedicated to protecting the rights of American citizens and enhancing public services, such as natural disaster assistance and citizenship services, by dedicating offices to these important missions. Threat Conditions each represent an increasing risk of terrorist attacks. With each Threat Condition are some suggested Protective Measures, recognizing that the heads of Federal departments and agencies are responsible for developing and implementing appropriate agency-specific protective measures.
Links: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Is it safe to eat beef now, including hamburgers and steaks?

Answer: All potentially contaminated meat from the Washington slaughterhouse was recalled. It is very unlikely that any product was shipped to Southern California. The amount of potentially contaminated meat constitutes a tiny fraction of the tens of millions of pounds of meat eaten every day in the United States.
Links: CDC - DHS 'Mad Cow Disease'

What is bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or 'mad cow' disease?

Answer: Mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a progressive disorder of the brain and nervous system of cattle that is caused by an unusual infectious agent called a prion. BSE resembles a disease found in sheep that has been known for many decades. The BSE epidemic among cattle started in the United Kingdom and peaked in January 1993. The outbreak may have resulted from feeding infected sheep meat-and-bone meal to cattle. There is strong evidence and general agreement that feeding rendered bovine meat-and-bone meal to young calves increased the spread of the outbreak in the United Kingdom.
Links: CDC - DHS 'Mad Cow Disease'

How can I find out the Health Department's rating for a restaurant?

Answer: Go to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Environmental Health Web site.
Links: Environmental Health Restaurant Rating

What is the South Bay Service Planning Area (SPA8)?

Answer: The South Bay Service Planning Area (SPA) 8, also called SPA8, is one of the eight Area Health Offices created within the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services with the purpose of planning public health and clinical services according to the health needs of local communities. There are four major geographic areas within SPA8 called health districts. These four health districts are Inglewood, Torrance, Harbor and Long Beach, with a total estimated population of 1.7 million people.