Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

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What exemplifies a Category B biological agent?

Anthrax
Ricin
Smallpox
Yellow fever

The correct answer is: Ricin

Ricin is considered a Category B biological agent primarily due to its potential to cause widespread harm and the relative ease of dissemination compared to Category A agents, which are deemed as the highest priority due to their serious health impact and high transmissibility. Category B agents are those that are moderately easy to disseminate and result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates. Ricin, derived from the castor bean, is highly toxic, and although it can cause severe health effects, it does not spread from person to person, which is a characteristic that distinguishes it from Category A agents like anthrax and smallpox that are highly contagious or severe in their health impacts. The classification of biological agents into Categories A, B, and C helps prioritize attention and resources. Understanding these classifications is crucial for effective public health response and bioterrorism preparedness.