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WHO redefines airborne disease transmission to enhance prevention strategies

Irish Examiner — April 18, 2024, 01:00 PM UTC

Summary: The World Health Organization and 500 experts defined airborne disease transmission for the first time, aiming to improve prevention strategies. The new definition considers the risk of exposure and disease severity, moving away from classifying particles as "droplets" or "aerosols." This clarification addresses past criticisms during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of ventilation alongside other preventive measures.

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Timeline:

  1. [4.7]
    WHO introduces new terms for airborne pathogens like COVID-19 (News-Medical.Net)
    9d
    Summary:Source
  2. [4.6]
    WHO redefines airborne viruses as "pathogens that transmit through the air." (The Japan Times)
    12d
    Summary:Source
  3. [5.2]
    WHO defines airborne disease transmission to prevent confusion (CTV News)
    13d

    ScoresSource
  4. [5.2]
    WHO updates terminology for airborne viruses, impacting public health (Hindustan Times)
    13d

    ScoresSource
  5. [5.4]
    WHO renames airborne viruses to "pathogens that transmit through air." (The Straits Times)
    13d

    ScoresSource
  6. [6.1]
    WHO defines airborne disease transmission to prevent confusion and transmission (DAWN.com)
    13d

    ScoresSource
  7. [4.8]
    WHO redefines airborne disease transmission for clarity and prevention (Onmanorama)
    14d
    Summary:Source