Monkeypox is renamed mpox: why this choice by the WHO?


Monkeypox is now called mpox, after several consultations with the World Health Organization to change the original term – which posed several problems.

The monkeypox epidemic has been under close surveillance since the spring of 2022 due to a sudden spike in infections around the world. This infectious disease is expressed in particular by rashes and fever. France had, in November, just over 4,000 cases identified and launched a vaccination strategy for the populations most at risk.

In addition to the health issue, a political issue has crept into the history of this disease: its name. The monkeypox designation — monkeypox in English — is not only misleading, but has also led to waves of hatred and stigma (from homophobia to racism). For this reason, the WHO has just officially requested a name change.

Why the term mpox?

In a press release dated November 28, 2022, the World Health Organization indicates that after consultations with several experts around the world, the new term “mpox” will be preferred. The two terms will be used simultaneously for a period of one year, the time to make the transition in language – and in order to avoid confusion in health communication.

Electron micrograph of monkeypox virus particles isolated in 2003 in the United States, from human specimens. // Source: The Conversation / Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner / CDC / AP

” As the monkeypox outbreak spread earlier this year, racist and stigmatizing language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO “, explains the organization. The demand for a name change has been around for several months now — almost the beginnings of the hype.

Why “mpox”? The WHO puts forward several criteria:

  • The rationality of the term,
  • The scientific relevance of not referring to a particular animal (the disease did not come from the monkey itself),
  • good pronunciation,
  • Possibility of use in most languages,
  • Ease of use.

It is up to the WHO to decide on the names of the diseases — through a consultative process with member states. This is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). A change usually takes several years, but this time the process has been accelerated while still respecting each step.



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