Bioterrorism
ABSTRACT. There is an
increasing threat that chemical and biological weapons will be used on a
civilian population in an act of domestic terrorism. Casualties among adults and
children could be significant in such an event. Federal, state, and local
authorities have begun extensive planning to meet a chemical-biological incident
by developing methods of rapid identification of potential agents and protocols
for management of victims without injury to health care personnel.
Because children would be disproportionately affected by a chemical or
biological weapons release, pediatricians must assist in planning for a domestic
chemical-biological incident. Government
agencies should seek input from pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists to
ensure that the situations created by multiple pediatric casualties after a
chemical-biological incident are considered.
This statement reviews key aspects of chemical-biological agents, the
consequences of their use, the potential impact of a chemical-biological attack
on children, and issues to consider in disaster planning and management for
pediatric patients.
AAP Policy
Statement March 2000 Chemical-Biological Terrorism and Its Impact on
Children
AAP web site Children Terrorism & Disaster
The importance of Family Meals during times of stress
Helping Children After a Disaster
AAP Policy Statement (The Pedestrians role in Disaster Preparedness)
SMALLPOX
Currently, international concern is heightened regarding the potential use of
smallpox (variola) virus as a bioterrorism agent.
Because of these concerns, ACIP has developed recommendations for
vaccinia (smallpox) vaccine regarding the potential use of smallpox virus as a
biological weapon.
MMWR Recommendations and Reports on Smallpox Vaccine
Anthrax