The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to change the name of Monkeypox to Mpox. This decision comes after the disease, first identified in 1958 among monkeys in Denmark, spread to over 100 countries and was associated with racial stigma and discrimination.
The first human case of Monkeypox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At that time, there were no concerns about the disease’s name. However, as the disease spread globally, the WHO was faced with increasing calls to change its name to reduce stigma.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 98,001 reported cases of Monkeypox across 118 countries, with 183 deaths in 27 nations. In response to the widespread impact and associated stigma, the WHO decided to adopt the name Mpox.
In November 2022, the WHO announced that both names would be used simultaneously for one year before the old name would be retired. The decision followed extensive consultations with international experts, who highlighted that the term “Monkeypox” had negative implications and was contributing to stigma.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, suggested that while the term “Monkeypox” would be phased out in public usage, it would remain in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) to preserve historical records.
Changing the name of a disease is a rare occurrence, typically involving a lengthy consultation process with member countries and international health bodies. The rapid change for Monkeypox was driven by the need to address stigma and adhere to best practices in disease naming.
In Kenya, the first case of Mpox was confirmed on July 31, 2024, near the Taveta border with Tanzania. The virus was detected in a person traveling from Uganda to Rwanda via Kenya.
To prevent further infections, the public is advised to follow health guidelines in public spaces, including frequent handwashing with soap and water. Individuals displaying symptoms should avoid close contact with others and seek medical care promptly.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Mpox. However, general pain management and supportive care can aid recovery, especially for those with strong immune systems. Vaccination is recommended and can help prevent infections if administered within four days of exposure, or up to 14 days if symptoms have not developed.
Mpox cases have been reported in several African countries, including the DRC, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. The disease has also been reported in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia.
