Official WHO statements, global health publications, and international health policy documents

WHO Introduces 'Pathogens That Transmit Through the Air' to End Scientific Rift

Apr 18, 2024, 04:15 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced new terminology for airborne pathogens, now referred to as 'pathogens that transmit through the air' or 'infectious respiratory particles' (IRPs). This update, detailed in a global technical consultation report and led by co-chairs Dr Yuguo Li and Dr Gagandeep Kang, aims to resolve the scientific disagreement that impacted the initial response to COVID-19. Developed over several years with about 500 experts, the new terminology seeks to clarify the transmission mechanisms of diseases like COVID-19, flu, and measles, moving away from traditional terms like 'aerosols' and 'droplets.' WHO hopes this change will end the scientific rift that hampered early COVID-19 response efforts.