Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced new guidance on airborne disease transmission to establish a common language for discussing the spread of infectious pathogens through the air. This development was influenced by the research of Lydia Bourouiba, the director of the MIT Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory.

Bourouiba, an associate professor at MIT, played a key role in shaping the WHO’s expert team that formulated the updated terminology related to respiratory infectious disease transmission. Her research focuses on understanding the physical processes that govern how infectious diseases are transmitted among individuals.

The updated WHO guidance redefines essential terms concerning the transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. It highlights a shared comprehension of how respiratory pathogens spread, emphasizing the role of turbulent ‘puff clouds’ in carrying infectious agents across various distances through a continuum of droplet sizes.

Bourouiba’s laboratory has been at the forefront of visualizing these transmission dynamics and has collaborated extensively with stakeholders to ensure that public health recommendations align with the latest scientific insights. By enhancing our understanding of how infectious diseases are disseminated, Bourouiba’s work contributes to better preparedness for emerging respiratory pathogens.

In a conversation with MIT News, Bourouiba discussed her involvement in shaping the new WHO guidelines. She emphasized the significance of comprehending the fluid dynamics and biophysics of respiratory emissions to develop effective strategies for mitigating the transmission of respiratory pathogens.