Category 4


Category 4

A category of microorganisms delineated by the UK’s Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens, corresponding to Hazard Group (Biohazard Level) 4 organisms, which the ACDP defines as biological agents that cause severe human disease and are a serious hazard to employees. Category 4 includes agents of viral haemorrhagic fever and some encephalidites, which are likely to spread to the community. There is no effective prophylaxis or treatment for Category 4 agents. There is no facility in the UK which is currently staffed or equipped to perform postmortem examinations on Category 4 agents.