After months of deliberations, the WHO has finally chosen ‘mpox’ as the new name for monkeypox after snubbing more creative suggestions, such ‘Goblin Pox’ and ‘TRUMP-22’.

On Monday, the global body announced the synonym as its “preferred term” for monkeypox after reports the original name had led to racist and stigmatising language linked to the disease, which had rarely been seen outside Africa until this year.

Small outbreaks in Western countries were first reported in May before case numbers jumped during the Northern Hemisphere summer, with the US, Brazil and Spain among the hardest hit.

The WHO first flagged its intention to change the name in June and, after asking the public for ideas in August, received dozens of submissions.