Hazard group

Organisms are divided into four risk categories based on their ability to infect healthy humans. This categorization corresponds but does not equate to the Biosafety levels (BSL). The Hazard Groups are as follows:

• Hazard Group 1: Organisms are unlikely to cause disease.
• Hazard Group 2: Organisms can cause disease in humans and pose a threat to people who are directly exposed to it. They are unlikely to spread to the community. Prophylaxis or an effective treatment is usually available.
• Hazard Group 3: Organisms that can cause serious disease in humans and pose a threat to people who are directly exposed to it. There is a risk that these organisms can spread to the community. Prophylaxis or an effective treatment is usually available.
• Hazard Group 4: Organisms that can cause serious disease in humans and pose a severe threat to people who are directly exposed to it. There is a high risk that the organism can spread to the community. Prophylaxis or an effective treatment is usually unavailable.