Category A disease 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;
• result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact;
• might cause public panic and social disruption; and require special action for public health preparedness.

These agents include: Anthrax, Botulism, Plague, Smallpox, Tularemia, Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola)

Category B disease agents

Second highest priority agents include those that,

• are moderately easy to disseminate;
• result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates; and
• Require specific enhancements of CDC's diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease surveillance.

These agents include: Brucellosis, Salmonella, E-Coli, Q fever, and Ricin

Category C disease 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; and
• Potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact

These agents include many emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus and Hantavirus

Flu Pandemic

Flu pandemic is a global flu outbreak that occurs when a new flu virus appears in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. The following information will aid in containing the spread and provide information on treatment.

• Handwashing and Germs
• Respiratory Hygiene
• Medications Used in a Flu Pandemic
  • Tamiflu
  • Relenza