A global health emergency has been declared by the World Health Organisation due to Mpox, a virus causing concern worldwide with new cases emerging in Europe following its initial outbreak in Africa. The virus, transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or organisms, manifests flu-like symptoms. Initially discovered in captive monkeys in 1958, Mpox was called ‘Human Monkeypox’ until the WHO’s 2015 guidelines on disease naming prompted a change. The guidelines aimed to prevent negative impacts on trade, travel, tourism, and avoid cultural insensitivity. Consequently, ‘Human Monkeypox’ was renamed Mpox in 2022, after an online outbreak of racist language prompted concerns and consultations. The renaming process took into account scientific accuracy, ease of pronunciation, and omitting geographical or zoological references. The WHO mandated a transition period for both names to be used before ‘monkeypox’ was phased out entirely to reduce confusion during outbreaks.
As Mpox continues to spread and affect communities worldwide, the importance of clear and appropriate disease naming practices becomes increasingly evident to ensure effective communication and understanding among medical professionals and the general public. The illustration of Mpox’s renaming process sheds light on the meticulous considerations and consultations involved in such decisions to uphold inclusivity and accuracy in medical terminology.