Brucellosis, Epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringes, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Meliodosis, psittacosis, Q fever, Ricin, Staph enterotoxin B, Typhus fever, and viral encephalitis (EEE, VEE, WEE) are all CDC Class _________ agents?

• A. Class C
• B. Class B
• C. Class A
• D. Not classified

Answer: (B)

Categorizing agents into risk classes helps prioritize surveillance, preparation, and response. The agents listed are all best described as Category B: they are moderately easy to disseminate and can cause moderate illness, but they generally have lower mortality and a lower potential for mass, rapid spread than the highest‑risk Category A agents.

Examples are widespread foodborne pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella) and zoonotic or toxin threats (Brucella, psittacosis, Q fever, ricin, Staph enterotoxin B, typhus), as well as certain bacterial toxins and viral encephalitides (EEE, VEE, WEE). These agents merit significant public health attention and need robust preparedness, but they do not carry the same level of imminent, high-mMortality threat as Category A agents.