Helping Children Understand Anthrax

Environmental Health

Helping Children Understand Anthrax

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11th, children are now facing another complex and frightening situation-anthrax cases. As our nation responds to the cases of anthrax, many questions have arisen about the infection and our country’s ability to cope with bioterrorism. In particular, children and teens may be concerned about how this disease can affect them. Older children may want to know more of the detailed factual information. Younger children will be more concerned about general issues regarding their personal safety and their family’s.

To respond to their questions and allay their fears, KidsHealth, a project of The Nemours Foundation, suggests considering these points when talking with children about anthrax:

• Anthrax is an infection caused by a bacterium (a germ) called Bacillus anthracis.

• Anthrax is not contagious, which means it can’t be spread from person to person. It is almost always successfully treated with antibiotics.

• Ask children what they’ve heard or seen on TV about anthrax. Encourage a dialogue so you can help them to better understand the information they are getting. Some details may be wrong or exaggerated, and you need to ‘set the record straight’ for them.

• Encourage children to express their emotions about what seems to be happening. Kids and teens may be experiencing feelings such as anger, sorrow, and fear, particularly after the events of September 11th.

• Assure kids that police and other agencies of the federal government (such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FBI) are investigating all anthrax cases and are taking measures to ensure public safety.

• Let children know that despite all the publicity, it is extremely unlikely that they, their family, or anyone they know will get anthrax.

For more information on anthrax and how to talk to kids about it, visit: http://www.kidshealth.org/breaking_news/anthrax.html.

KidsHealth also has several age-appropriate articles on anthrax for children and teens. Go to:

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/misc/anthrax.html.

Other sources for anthrax information include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.healthinschools.org/sh/envhealth.asp

For other Post September 11th information, go to the National Education Association Health Information Network’s website at https://www.neahin.org/programs/schoolsafety/september11/index.htm