Why the Monkey Pox Name Changed
The World Health Organization renamed monkeypox to mpox in November 2022. The change followed recommendations to reduce stigma and negative impacts associated with the old name. WHO adopted mpox as the preferred term while keeping monkeypox as an alias for one year.
Who Decided the Monkey Pox Name Change
WHO led the renaming process through its existing disease naming framework. The decision involved global health experts, including the WHO Advisory Committee on Variola Virus Research. The agency coordinated with external scientists and public health bodies to align the name with current terminology.
What the Name Change Means for People
The rename aims to avoid reinforcing stereotypes and to support accurate public communication. Health agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated guidance and materials to use mpox. The change does not alter the virus itself or the way it spreads.
For official updates, visit the WHO disease naming page at https://www.who.int/health-topics/monkeypox.
