WHO Renames , Monkeypox.
CNN reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) made the announcement on Nov. 28.
From now on, the virus
is to be referred to as "mpox.".
Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while ‘monkeypox’ is phased out, WHO, via statement.
The consultation process reportedly included a vast array
of experts “which constituted of representatives from government authorities of 45 different countries.”.
The issue of the use of the new name in different languages was extensively discussed. The preferred term, mpox, can be
used in other languages, WHO, via statement.
CNN reports that the virus was named "monkeypox" in 1970.
Since the recent outbreak, health professionals have pushed for a name change to deter discrimination and stigma that may keep people from testing and vaccination.
The CDC reports that Black and
Hispanic people in the U.S. have been disproportionately affected.
The CDC reports that Black and
Hispanic people in the U.S. have been disproportionately affected.
We must do all we can to break down barriers to public health, and reducing stigma associated with disease is one critical step in our work to end mpox, Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Secretary, via statement.
We must do all we can to break down barriers to public health, and reducing stigma associated with disease is one critical step in our work to end mpox, Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Secretary, via statement.
CNN reports that over 81,000 cases of mpox have been reported to the WHO since January 1, 2022
