The World Health Organization (WHO) decided to rename monkeypox because some researchers felt the name is “discriminatory.”.The researchers want a name that is “nondiscriminatory and (uses) non-stigmatizing nomenclature.”.Monkeypox is a serious viral illness that normally does not leave the central and west African regions..The 29 biologists and scientists wrote an open letter to the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Virological, an online forum..“In the context of the current global outbreak, continued reference to, and nomenclature of this virus being African is not only inaccurate, but is also discriminatory and stigmatizing,” wrote the researchers..The researchers also criticized the WHO photos used for the disease as most feature Africans stricken with monkeypox..Ghebreyesus announced the WHO would have “the new names as soon as possible.”.The researchers suggested the name be hMPXV, with MPXV representing Monkeypox and the “h” for the human version..Just like with COVID-19 and its variants, the researchers want to classify different lineages with letters and numbers depending on where the outbreaks occurred..Monkeypox spreads primarily through contact with animals, such as primates and rodents..However, this new outbreak is being spread from human to human with nearly 1,600 cases in 39 countries and 72 reported deaths..The WHO is concerned about this version of the virus because it is not behaving how it has in previous outbreaks..“The global outbreak of monkeypox is clearly unusual and concerning,” said Ghebreyesus..A monkeypox infection lasts two to four weeks with flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and “pox” which are fluid-filled bumps on the skin..The virus can be treated with antiviral medicines..According to WHO officials, some monkeypox cases can be confused for sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or syphilis..The WHO is working on a global plan to make treatments and smallpox vaccines available wherever outbreaks occur.
