U.S. Elementary School "Bin Laden Itch" (2001-2002)

Between October 2001 and June 2002, a mysterious skin rash affected thousands of elementary-aged students in several states in the United States, prompting fears of bioterrorism in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. While the rash had no known cause and disappeared spontaneously, heightened awareness due to terrorism fears led to increased reports from students and school nurses. The "Bin Laden Itch," though ultimately non-existent, successfully triggered mass hysteria, with a few students even deliberately causing skin irritation to disrupt schools.