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WHO updates terminology for airborne viruses, impacting public health

Hindustan Times — April 19, 2024, 08:00 AM UTC

Summary: The World Health Organization introduces new terminology for airborne viruses as "pathogens that transmit through the air." This change follows criticism from scientists like Kimberly Prather and Trish Greenhalgh. The WHO's delayed recognition of Covid-19 as airborne impacted public health measures. Governments worldwide are now taking action to mitigate airborne diseases, with the US CDC issuing guidelines and the WHO releasing a manual on assessing airborne Covid spread.

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Timeline:

  1. [4.7]
    WHO redefines "airborne spread" for clearer disease transmission understanding (VOA Learning English)
    20d
    Source
  2. [4.7]
    WHO introduces new terms for airborne pathogens like COVID-19 (News-Medical.Net)
    24d
    Source
  3. [4.6]
    WHO redefines airborne viruses as "pathogens that transmit through the air." (The Japan Times)
    27d
    Source
  4. [5.2]
    WHO defines airborne disease transmission to prevent confusion (CTV News)
    28d
    Source
  5. [6.1]
    WHO defines airborne disease transmission to prevent confusion and transmission (DAWN.com)
    28d

    ScoresSource
  6. [5.4]
    WHO renames airborne viruses to "pathogens that transmit through air." (The Straits Times)
    28d
    Source
  7. [6.1]
    WHO redefines airborne disease transmission to enhance prevention strategies (Irish Examiner)
    29d

    ScoresSource
  8. [4.8]
    WHO redefines airborne disease transmission for clarity and prevention (Onmanorama)
    29d
    Source