Explaining the Threat of Bioterrorism

Introduction

With anthrax outbreaks dominating news reports and daily discussions, your child may be struggling to understand chilling new technical terms and concepts. Child consulted Dr. Fred Henretig, pediatric emergency room physician and toxicologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, for advice on tackling kids' bioterrorism questions.

As a general rule, Dr. Henretig says the most effective and soothing way to talk to your child is with honesty -- even if that means admitting you don't know the answer -- and by keeping responses short and simple.

Q: What is bioterrorism?

A: It's a way that very bad people try to make someone sick by spreading germs.

Q: Who is responsible for the bioterrorism?

A: We don't know yet, but there are very few people in the world who would do something like this. They are people who are angry about things they can't control so they do bad things to others.

Q: What is anthrax?

A: Anthrax is a serious infection like a bad cold or flu that makes it hard for someone to breathe. But most people who get the anthrax germs can take medicine so they don't become sick.

Q: What is smallpox?

A: Smallpox is another serious disease that starts like a cold or flu and then turns into a skin rash with blisters.