Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

Which of the following agents is an example of a Category C biological agent?

1. Smallpox

2. Yellow fever

3. Ricin

4. Coccidioidomycosis

The correct answer is: Yellow fever

The correct answer identifies yellow fever as a Category C biological agent. Category C agents are those that are considered to be emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in a bioterrorism context. They include a range of potential biological threats that are easily produced and spread, posing a significant threat to public health. Yellow fever fits into this category because it is a viral disease that can be rapidly transmitted through vectors, specifically mosquitoes. It has the potential to cause outbreaks with considerable morbidity and mortality, making it a concern for public health preparedness. The availability of a vaccine does not diminish its classification as a Category C agent, given its potential for use in bioterrorism scenarios. In contrast, smallpox is classified as a Category A agent due to its potential for high mortality and person-to-person transmission. Ricin, derived from castor beans, is considered a potent toxin but does not fall under the category of a biological agent, as it acts primarily as a toxin rather than a microorganism. Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is caused by a fungus and while it poses some health risks, it does not have the same level of threat associated with the criteria defining Category C biological agents.