In 2022, the world axed a disease name seen as racist. US just switched back.

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) renamed the monkeypox virus, citing concerns that the previous name was racist and stigmatizing. The new name, "mpox," was chosen to avoid further discrimination and promote a more inclusive approach to public health. However, in a recent move, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has decided to revert to the original "monkeypox" designation, citing the need for consistency and familiarity with the established terminology. This decision has sparked controversy, with some experts arguing that the change undermines the efforts to address the stigma associated with the disease. The article highlights the complex and nuanced nature of public health language, where the choice of terminology can have significant social and cultural implications. The renaming of the monkeypox virus underscores the importance of considering the impact of disease names on marginalized communities and the ongoing efforts to promote more inclusive and equitable public health practices.