WHO (finally) lands on new name for monkeypox

The disease was named monkeypox in 1970 following the first documented cases in humans
Monkeypox virus

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.