The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have listed a group of diseases that are of highest concern because they have one or more of these characteristics:
- can be easily spread from person to person
- can cause high mortality
- might cause public panic and fear
- can require special action for public health preparedness.
This "Category A" list includes the biological agents that cause anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, tularemia, and the viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.
Anthrax
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Learn about Anthrax including how it is transmitted and how to protect yourself.
Botulism
Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide further information about the three main kinds of botulism: foodborne, infant and wound.
Plague
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides further information about Plague. An infectious disease that affects animals and humans, Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This bacterium is found in rodents and their fleas and occurs in many areas of the world, including the United States.
Smallpox
Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide more information about the disease and its vaccination.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) refer to a group of illnesses that are caused by several distinct families of viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide more information about the disease, symptoms and treatment.
President's Plan for Protecting Americans against Smallpox Threat (PDF)
Information about Smallpox Response Teams and the Protection of Military and overseas Personnel.
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Revised May 7, 2008
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