A Communicable Disease Outbreak Has Occurred in a Town

A communicable disease outbreak has occurred in a town. At a town meeting with public health officials, a community health nurse (CHN) is asked to explain the phrase "virulent organism." What definition of virulence is correct?

A) Virulence is the ability to bypass normal immunological response mechanisms.
B) Virulence is the ability to invade major organ systems.
C) Virulence is the ability to produce toxins and poisons that weaken the body.
D) Virulence is the ability to produce severe physical reactions.