The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Category A, B, & C Agents by Definition.
Category A Diseases/Agents
The U.S. public health system and primary healthcare providers must be prepared to address various biological agents, including pathogens that are rarely seen in the United States. High-priority agents include organisms that pose a risk to national security because they:
- Can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person
- Require special action for public health preparedness
- Result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact
- Might cause public panic and social disruption
Category B Diseases/Agents
Second highest priority agents include those that:
- Are moderately easy to disseminate
- Require specific enhancements of CDC's diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease surveillance.
- Result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates
Category C Diseases/Agents
Third highest priority agents include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in the future because of:
- Availability
- Ease of production and dissemination
- Potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact