Fri 08 May 2020:
What are the classifications of transmissions?
The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to transmission classification in each of their situation reports. These reports are a compilation of data received from different countries and based on what is self-reported by the countries, the WHO denotes the classification.
“Transmission classification is based on a process of country/territory/area self-reporting. Classifications are reviewed on a weekly basis, may be revised as new information becomes available, and are based on the highest category reported. Differing degrees of transmission may be present within countries/territories/areas,” the WHO stated.
What are the classifications as per WHO?
As per the WHO’s May 5 situation report, the transmission in countries are characterised as – sporadic cases, cluster of cases, community transmission. Earlier, it also used the ‘local transmission’ classification. Sporadic cases refer to a small number of cases that are either imported or that are detected locally. Local transmission indicates locations where the source of infection is within the reporting location.
The WHO refers to community transmission as larger outbreaks of local transmission that can be defined or identified through different approaches. It can be characterised by a situation where the original source of exposure cannot be found or cases that are detected through surveillance of a specific group of people. It can also be identified through multiple clusters in several areas.
What is the situation in different countries?
Countries like USA, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Germany, South Africa, United Kingdom, France and Turkey have all been classified under ‘community transmission’ category. India, Russia, China, Singapore, Pakistan are some of the other countries where transmission has been classified as ‘cluster of cases’.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
