Bioterrorism

Terrorism preparedness is a highly specific component of general emergency preparedness. In addition to the unique pediatric issues involved in general emergency preparedness, terrorism preparedness must consider several additional issues, including the unique vulnerabilities of children to various agents as well as the limited availability of age- and weight-appropriate antidotes and treatments. Although children may respond more rapidly to therapeutic intervention, they are at the same time more susceptible to various agents and conditions and more likely to deteriorate if not carefully monitored. It is well known that children may exhibit different effects of biologic agents.
Here are some examples:
• Smallpox: Lack of immunity in children, whereas some adults who were vaccinated as children may still possess some degree of immunity.
• Trichothecenes: The data show that children maybe more susceptible.
• Melioidosis : Children manifest unique parotitis.
• Anthrax: Recent and older data support the concept that children are less susceptible to the effects of anthrax.