Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

Which biological agent is used as an example for Category A?

1. Q fever

2. Nipah virus

3. Plague

4. Ricin

The correct answer is: Plague

Category A biological agents are those that pose the highest 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. The agents in this category require special action for public health preparedness. The plague is included as a Category A biological agent due to its historical impact and the lethal nature of the infection, especially when caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be transmitted through fleas or respiratory droplets. It has the potential for large-scale outbreaks, making it a significant concern for biodefense and public health agencies. Other agents listed, while concerning, either do not meet the criteria to be classified as Category A or have different implications in terms of transmission and mortality. Q fever, Nipah virus, and Ricin, while they are serious health threats, do not exhibit the same level of public health risk for immediate dissemination or high mortality rates as the plague does. Understanding this classification helps in prioritizing resources and responses in the event of a biological threat.