More than 30 countries where the Monkeypox virus is not endemic. Lest, have reported outbreaks of the viral disease, with the majority of confirmed cases in Europe.
The virus, which was discovered in monkeys and spreads through close contact, is mostly found in West and Central Africa and only very rarely spreads elsewhere.
According to the most recent official figures, the number of monkeypox cases in the United Kingdom has surpassed 500. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 52 new monkeypox cases. Thus, in England, one in Scotland, and one in Wales. Hence, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 524 as of Tuesday. The UKHSA reported 504 confirmed cases in England, 13 in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland, and five in Wales.
WHO decides to rename Monkeypox
The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to rename the monkeypox virus, which has infected more than 30 countries. The change is the result of concerns raised by a group of international scientists. About the “discriminatory” nature of the virus strain names.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organisation is “working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of the monkeypox virus, its clades, and the disease it causes.” He stated that the WHO will announce the new names as soon as possible.
On June 10, a paper titled. “Urgent need for a non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing nomenclature for monkeypox virus“. Published a request from 30 international scientists to change the name. According to a spokesperson, the current name does not comply with WHO guidelines. Moreover, that advise against using geographic regions or animal names.
According to a spokesperson for the WHO, scientists in orthopoxviruses – the family to which monkeypox belongs – are consulting on more appropriate names. Other disease names that violate the standards, according to joint recommendations from the WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, include swine flu.
According to reports, the WHO will work with experts in orthopoxviruses, which include monkeypox, to come up with more appropriate names.