Meteorological Factors Influencing the Dispersion of Airborne Diseases

Many infective agents are transmitted between host bodies through the atmosphere, sometimes over quite considerable distances. Of prime importance to any potential host is whether or not the agents can be carried to it by the wind from a source-host. The paper briefly outlines how air trajectories are determined and indicates the importance and magnitude of crosswind turbulent spreading. The paper also describes the effect of topography and the likely significance of changes in the wind when the emission persists over several days. Rain is another factor that can be very important in leading to secondary infections. However, its sporadic nature presents considerable difficulties for the modeller, and this is illustrated.