ANTHRAX RISK TO KEEP COURTS CLOSED.

Byline: Phillip W. Browne Daily News Staff Writer

The Superior and Municipal courthouses at Van Nuys Civic Center will remain closed today while authorities investigate the region's most recent anthrax threat, which caused the evacuation of 2,200 people Monday.

The courthouses are expected to reopen for business Thursday, but all court cases and hearings are postponed until next week, said Presiding Superior Court Judge Robert Parkin.

County health department officials are trying to ensure the building is safe before reopening it for court business, according to a statement by the court's public information office.

While the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI believe that the threat was a hoax, health officials still haven't determined whether the deadly bacterium was released in the building, LAPD Lt. Anthony Alba said.

``We can't comment on the investigation, but it seems like this is the flavor-of-the-month copycat hoax,'' Alba said. ``What we can say is if we find the suspect, we will guarantee prosecution.''

As a precaution, evacuees were told to take showers when they got home and to put their clothes in sealed bags. Health officials also told them to wipe down any objects they were carrying, such as pocketbooks or briefcases, with a solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water.

Civil and small-claims filings were being accepted at the civil office, which is across the street from the main courthouse. Filings also will be accepted today at the Central District Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles or the district courthouse in San Fernando.

Monday's threat was the third in Los Angeles in the past week.

Symptoms resulting from exposure to anthrax usually develop in two to six days. They include cough and fever over 100.5 degrees, muscle aches and chest pain.

Anyone who was at the courthouses and notices the symptoms over the next three days should call the the Department of Health Services' acute communicable disease control line at [phone]. After hours or on weekends, call [phone].