Bioterrorism agents are separated into three categories, depending on how easily they can be spread and the severity of illness or death they cause. Category A agents are considered the highest risk and Category C agents are those that are considered emerging threats for disease.
Category A
These high-priority agents include organisms or toxins that pose the highest risk to the public and national security because they:
- Can be easily spread or transmitted from person to person
- Result in high death rates and have the potential for major public health impact
- Could cause public panic and social disruption
- Require special action for public health preparedness.
Category B
These agents are the second highest priority because they:
- Are moderately easy to spread
- Result in moderate illness rates and low death rates
- Require specific enhancements of CDC's laboratory capacity and enhanced disease monitoring.
Category C
These third highest priority agents include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass spread in the future because they:
- Are easily available
- Are easily produced and spread
- Have potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact.
References:
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Response Preparedness,
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/, Retrieved Nov-17-2009