Table 40-1.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category A Agents of Bioterrorism

Definition: Category A agents have the potential to be easily disseminated, have higher contagiousness, have high morbidity and mortality, and require increased public health preparedness

Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)

Smallpox (variola major)

Plague (Yersinia pestis)

Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)

Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses [e.g., Ebola, Marburg] and arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo])