Key points from article :
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently renamed monkeypox to "mpox" to counter racial and stigmatizing associations tied to its previous name. The organization decided to use both terms for a year to ease the transition, after which "monkeypox" will be phased out.
This name change follows extensive discussions among health experts, governments, and the public, aiming for an accessible term that can be used worldwide. "Mpox" is simple and translates easily into many languages, supporting WHO’s initiative to minimize unintended cultural or social impacts associated with disease names.
Human monkeypox was first identified in 1970, named after it was discovered in captive monkeys. The disease, part of the same viral family as smallpox, has primarily been contained within Central and West Africa. However, 2022 saw an unusual international spread, affecting over 100 countries.
This led the WHO to declare mpox a global health emergency, as the virus began appearing in nations previously untouched by it. Symptoms of mpox, such as high fever, skin lesions, and rashes, highlighted the urgency for vaccination efforts, especially in the US, Brazil, Spain, France, and the UK, which reported the highest number of cases.
In the UK alone, over 3,500 cases were documented since May, with most cases affecting men who have sex with men. A strategic vaccine rollout targeting vulnerable groups helped curb the outbreak, with cases decreasing significantly after a peak in July. The US and other countries took similar steps to protect at-risk populations.
Although cases have declined recently, the demand for vaccines remains high to prevent further spread and ensure preparedness against future outbreaks. With the rebranding to mpox, the WHO emphasizes respectful disease naming practices, ensuring that public health measures do not inadvertently harm or stigmatize communities.
