Biologic agents felt to be of highest threat to national security are designated as Category A, B, or C agents, depending on an agent's ability to be spread easily; the severity of illness an agent causes, particularly if fatal; an agent's ability to cause social disruption; and any special preparedness needs for a particular agent. Describe each agent category

• Category A agents: highest priority category and include anthrax, botulism, tularemia, plague, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola or Lassa viruses.
• Category B agents: include ricin toxin, Q fever, and agents that may threaten the water supply, such as Cryptosporidium parvum, among other agents.
• Category C agent: emerging agents that may have the potential to be weaponized in the future, such as hantavirus.