• UGI USER
  • Apr 19, 2024
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WHO DEFINES PATHOGENS THAT TRANSMIT THROUGH AIR

Why in the news?

WHO introduces the term ‘infectious respiratory particles’ for airborne pathogens, addressing communication challenges during COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing global understanding.

Definition of Airborne Pathogens:

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced the term ‘infectious respiratory particles’ (IRPs) to describe pathogens transmitted through the air.
  • This terminology aims to address the lack of a standardised term for such pathogens, which posed challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • WHO’s decision follows extensive consultations conducted between 2021 and 2023.
  • The lack of uniform terminology previously hindered public communication and efforts to control pathogen transmission.
  • The introduction of IRPs as a descriptor seeks to streamline communication and enhance global understanding of airborne transmission.
source:wikimedia
What is Airborne transmission?

  • Definition: Airborne transmission involves the spread of infectious agents through small droplets suspended in the air over long distances and time.
  • Obligate Transmission: Some diseases, like pulmonary tuberculosis, are only transmitted through deposition of droplet nuclei in the air.
  • Source: World Health Organization (WHO), 2020.
  • Pathogens:Obligate airborne transmission refers to pathogens that are transmitted only by deposition of droplet nuclei under natural conditions (e.g., pulmonary tuberculosis).

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/after-covid-who-defines-disease-spread-through-air/articleshow/109417085.cms#:~:text=NEW%20DELHI%3A%20The%20World%20Health,the%20definition%20of%20airborne%20diseases.