Infectious substances are categorized as Category A when the pathogen causes fatal or life-threatening disease in otherwise healthy humans and animals. Which population is described by this criterion?

Infectious substances are categorized as Category A when the pathogen causes fatal or life-threatening disease in otherwise healthy humans and animals. Which population is described by this criterion?

• A. Both humans and animals
• B. Immune-compromised individuals
• C. Otherwise healthy humans and animals
• D. Humans only

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is who Category A agents are dangerous to: healthy individuals. The phrase “otherwise healthy” means the risk applies to people and animals with normal immune status, not those who are immunocompromised or already ill. It also includes both humans and animals. So the population described by this criterion is otherwise healthy humans and animals.

The idea being tested is who Category A agents are dangerous to: healthy individuals. The phrase “otherwise healthy” means the risk applies to people and animals with normal immune status, not those who are immunocompromised or already ill. It also includes both humans and animals. So the population described by this criterion is otherwise healthy humans and animals.