Pathogens that transmit through the air will be described by the term ‘infectious respiratory particles’ or IRPs, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
The pathogens covered include those that cause respiratory infections, e.g. COVID-19, influenza, measles, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and tuberculosis, among others
The wide-ranging consultation was conducted in multiple steps in 2021-2023 and addressed a lack of common terminology to describe the transmission of pathogens through the air across scientific disciplines.
The challenge became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as experts from various sectors were required to provide scientific and policy guidance.
Varying terminologies highlighted gaps in common understanding and contributed to challenges in public communication and efforts to curb the transmission of the pathogen.
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