The WHO decided to rename monkeypox virus. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director general, announced at a briefing.
WHO is also working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of monkeypox virus, its clades and the disease it causes, he said.
«We will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible», Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The organization notes that the current name does not comply with WHO recommendations, which recommend avoiding geographic regions and animal names.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that the monkeypox outbreak was unusual and concerning. «It’s for that reason that I have decided to convene the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations next week, to assess whether this outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern», he said.
More than 1,600 confirmed cases and almost 1,500 suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported to WHO from 39 countries — including seven countries where monkeypox has been detected for years, and 32 newly-affected countries. At least 72 deaths have been reported from previously-affected countries. No deaths have been reported so far from the newly-affected countries.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection transmitted between humans. The disease is often mild, most patients recover within a few weeks, but some develop complications. It is transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person. Skin scrapings and fluids are contagious, so the disease can be spread through clothing, bedding, towels, and utensils.
