Outbreaks, often worsened by news reports, are also thought to be more likely in groups under great psychological or physical stress. The impact was so profound at the Tennessee school that it remains a sensitive topic for Principal George Bolding. He said he smelled an odor himself and came down with a headache. But he agrees that the outbreak later did turn into hysteria. They see someone get sick, and they get sick.
Researchers say outbreaks can sometimes be stemmed with fast reassurances.
But people often resist the mass-hysteria explanation, because they find it embarrassing. Also, there are real environmental and biological threats that often can't be ruled out without time-consuming tests. Kaneshia Coren Pinckney Missing from Silver Spring, Md., since July 7, 2000. Inc. All rights reserved.