Which of the following is a Category B biological agent?

Category B biological agents are pathogens that are considered to be moderately easy to disseminate and result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates. They pose a threat to public health and safety but are not as severe as Category A agents.

In this context, Typhus is classified as a Category B biological agent. Typhus can cause serious illness, but it does not spread as easily as more dangerous agents in Category A. It is transmitted through lice or fleas, which makes its dissemination less likely in a large-scale bioterrorism scenario. Understanding its classification helps public health officials prioritize resources and develop effective response plans.

On the other hand, Smallpox is a Category A agent due to its high mortality and ease of spread, while Tularemia and Hantavirus are also classified within Category A and while they can cause severe illness, they don’t meet Category B criteria. This distinction is essential for managing risks associated with biological threats effectively.