New Monkeypox variants are called clades says the World Health Organisation. Public health experts in the field, from around the world were recently asked to reach a consensus on new terminology for the virus.
New terminology for the virus sought
The virus was first discovered in 1958. The WHO says that was before best practices in the naming of diseases and viruses were adopted. In the past, variants were identified by the geographic regions, in which the virus was detected and circulated in.
READ: Monkeypox – Everything You Need To Know
Current best practice
The world health body says, in modern times, current best practices of newly-identified viruses, relating to disease, should not offend anyone. This also applies to the name of the disease, as caused by the virus.
Guidelines
The renaming should avoid causing offence to any cultural, social, national, regional, professional, or ethnic groups. At the same time, it must also minimize any negative impact on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare. This is also applicable to names given to variants of viruses.
New clade names in effect
The new names for the clades have gone into immediate use, however, work continues on finding new names for the disease and the virus. Earlier this month, the consensus was reached to from now on, refer to the former Congo Basin in Central Africa as Clade one (I) and the former West African clade as Clade two (II). Additionally, it was agreed that Clade II will consist of 2 subclades.
Roman numerals
The proper naming structure will be represented by a Roman numeral for the clade. At the same time, a lower-case alphanumeric character will be used for the subclades.
Search for new Monkeypox name ongoing
The hunt also continues for a new name for Monkeypox. Experts have warned that the name can be stigmatising to the primates, who play little role in its spread. Also to the continent the animals are often associated with.
Monkeypox received its name as the virus was originally identified in monkeys kept for research in Denmark. Recently in Brazil, there have been reported cases of people attacking monkeys over disease fears.
