Monkeypox’s name to be changed, says WHO

SWITZERLAND: Amid global concerns over the spread of Monkeypox, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a set of interim guidelines, including vaccination measures. It said that mass vaccination, as a pre-exposure measure, is not recommended against the Monkeypox virus.

The interim guidelines were released by the WHO on Tuesday. The UN body also said it would hold an emergency meeting next week to determine whether to classify the global Monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added that experts around the world are in discussions to change the name of the Monkeypox virus. This comes after there was a global outcry stating that the name was discriminatory and stigmatising.

The Director-General said on Tuesday, “We are 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 the WHO will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible.

The interim guideline recommends pre-exposure vaccination only for health workers at high risk of exposure, laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses, clinical laboratory personnel performing diagnostic testing for Monkeypox and members of the outbreak response team.

However, the WHO also said that vaccination against Monkeypox, as post-exposure treatment, may be considered for special population groups. This includes pregnancy, children, or people with immune suppression, including HIV.

– INDIA TODAY