Which biosafety level is designated for handling lethal agents for which there are no vaccines or countermeasures?

Which biosafety level is designated for handling lethal agents for which there are no vaccines or countermeasures?

• A. BSL 3
• B. BSL 4
• C. BSL 2
• D. BSL 1

Answer: (B)

The highest containment level is used for work with lethal agents that have no vaccines or countermeasures. This level provides maximum physical containment, with dedicated facilities, strict access controls, and multiple barriers to prevent any release. Personnel wear full-body, air-supplied suits and operate in environments with specialized ventilation and decontamination procedures, because there are no medical strategies to rely on if exposure occurs. Lower biosafety levels protect against agents that are less dangerous or for which vaccines or therapies exist, so they do not require the same extreme measures. Examples of agents handled at this level include highly dangerous pathogens like Ebola and other viruses with no approved vaccines or treatments.

The highest containment level is used for work with lethal agents that have no vaccines or countermeasures. This level provides maximum physical containment, with dedicated facilities, strict access controls, and multiple barriers to prevent any release. Personnel wear full-body, air-supplied suits and operate in environments with specialized ventilation and decontamination procedures, because there are no medical strategies to rely on if exposure occurs. Lower biosafety levels protect against agents that are less dangerous or for which vaccines or therapies exist, so they do not require the same extreme measures. Examples of agents handled at this level include highly dangerous pathogens like Ebola and other viruses with no approved vaccines or treatments.