Answer (a) — correct: We want to isolate an infected person until he or she is no longer infectious. Further, we want to quarantine those who have been exposed and may be infected but are not yet ill. Separating exposed people and restricting their movements is intended to stop the spread of the infection. Quarantine is medically very effective in protecting the public from disease.

Answer (b) — incorrect: While this is a necessary precaution for those individuals who may potentially come into contact with diseased individuals, public awareness alone would not be sufficient to address the two outbreaks in question.