WHO defines airborne disease transmission to prevent confusion
CTV News — April 19, 2024, 02:00 PM UTC
Summary: The World Health Organization and 500 experts have defined airborne disease transmission for the first time, aiming to prevent confusion like during the early days of COVID-19. The new definition considers the risk of exposure and disease severity, moving away from past debates on droplets versus aerosols. This clarity will guide measures like ventilation in various settings. WHO's former chief scientist regrets not emphasizing airborne spread sooner.
Article metrics
Significance5.2
Scale7.0
Magnitude7.5
Potential8.5
Novelty6.0
Actionability4.0
Immediacy8.0
Positivity7.0
Credibility8.0