Monkeypox Is Now Called Mpox – Why WHO Changed the Name

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced that Monkeypox will now be called Mpox. The name change was introduced to reduce stigma, discrimination, and confusion linked with the older disease name.

The updated terminology is now being adopted globally by healthcare organizations, governments, and medical professionals. WHO stated that both names would be used temporarily during a transition period before “Mpox” became the preferred term.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family.

The disease can spread through:

• Close physical contact
• Skin lesions or rash
• Respiratory droplets
• Contaminated clothing or bedding

Common symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Rash or skin lesions
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Body pain and weakness

WHO continues to classify Mpox as an important public health concern in several regions.

Why Did WHO Change the Name?

1. To Reduce Stigma and Discrimination

WHO reported concerns that the name “Monkeypox” was being used in racist and stigmatizing ways during the global outbreak.

Some communities and regions faced discrimination because of the disease name and misinformation spreading online. WHO decided that changing the name would help create more neutral and non-discriminatory public communication.

2. To Follow Modern Disease Naming Guidelines

WHO has introduced global best practices for naming diseases in ways that avoid:

• Geographic references
• Animal names
• Cultural stigma
• Community discrimination

The shift from Monkeypox to Mpox aligns with these updated international health naming guidelines.

3. To Improve Public Communication

Health experts believed the shorter term “Mpox” would:

• Be easier to pronounce globally
• Reduce misunderstanding
• Improve awareness campaigns
• Support better healthcare communication

Is Mpox a New Disease?

No.Mpox is not a new disease. It is the same viral infection previously known as Monkeypox.

Only the disease name has changed. The virus itself is still scientifically referred to as the monkeypox virus in many medical references.

When Was the Name Changed?

WHO officially recommended the new term Mpox on 28 November 2022 after discussions with global experts and member countries.

Why Was the Old Name Considered Problematic?

During the 2022 outbreak, many reports showed:

• Racist language online
• Social stigma linked with the disease
• Misunderstanding about disease origin
• Harmful misinformation involving animals and regions

WHO emphasized that disease names should not negatively impact:

• Communities
• Countries
• Economies
• Animals
• Public health response efforts

What Symptoms Can Mpox Cause?

Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Fever and chills
• Skin rash or blisters
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Headache

In some cases, symptoms may become severe in children or people with weak immunity.

How Does Mpox Spread?

Mpox mainly spreads through:

• Close skin-to-skin contact
• Contact with infected rash or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions
• Shared personal items

Early awareness and hygiene are important for prevention.

How Is Mpox Diagnosed?

Doctors may recommend:

• Physical examination
• PCR testing of skin lesions
• Laboratory confirmation

PCR testing remains one of the most important methods for diagnosis.

Can Mpox Be Prevented?

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Maintaining hygiene
• Using protective precautions
• Seeking medical attention for suspicious symptoms

Vaccination may also be recommended in selected high-risk situations.

Global Importance of the Name Change

The Mpox terminology update became an important example of how modern healthcare organizations are trying to make medical communication:

• More inclusive
• Less discriminatory
• Easier to understand globally

WHO has also updated naming approaches for virus variants and disease classifications in recent years.

Conclusion

The change from Monkeypox to Mpox represents more than just a new medical term. It reflects WHO’s effort to reduce stigma, improve global communication, and follow modern disease naming standards.

Although the disease remains the same, the updated terminology aims to support more accurate and respectful public health awareness worldwide.Source of Data

The information in this article is based on official WHO announcements and global public health references regarding the Monkeypox to Mpox terminology update.

Official Sources:WHO – Monkeypox Is Now Called Mpox

CDC Mpox Terminology Update