Racist origins of name ‘monkeypox’ and current situation in Türkiye

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) made the significant decision to rename the disease known as monkeypox to “mpox.” This decision was not just about semantics; it addressed the longstanding issues of racism and discrimination linked to the original name.

With the virus spreading globally and reemerging in various regions, it’s essential to understand the origins of the name “monkeypox” and why a change was needed. This situation also calls for a closer look at how the disease is currently being managed worldwide, including in Türkiye.

Origins of monkeypox, roots of controversial name

The name “monkeypox” was first used in 1958 when researchers in Denmark identified a pox-like disease in laboratory monkeys. Despite the name, monkeys are not the primary carriers of the virus; instead, rodents are believed to be the main hosts.

The first human case of the virus was documented in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For many years, the virus was largely confined to central and West Africa, where it was relatively unknown to the rest of the world.

However, the name “monkeypox” has long been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Africa and black people. It falsely implies that monkeys are the primary source of the virus, contributing to public misconceptions and fueling discrimination.

Critics of the name have pointed out that it reinforces negative associations with Africa, where the virus was first identified in humans, and with black people, who have historically been dehumanized through comparisons to primates.

Addressing racism, stigma through renaming

As mpox began to spread rapidly beyond Africa in 2022, particularly in Europe and the United States, the controversy surrounding its name intensified. Public health experts and activists argued that the term “monkeypox” was not only misleading but also harmful, as it contributed to the stigmatization of those most affected by the virus, including LGBTQ+ communities.

Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health equity advocate, supported the renaming, emphasizing that “Mpox is better than monkeypox because it still contains ‘pox,’ which speaks to the physical nature of the disease.

Removing ‘monkey’ removes the stigma that monkeypox comes with and deals with the possible misinformation.” His comments reflect the broader concerns that led to WHO’s decision to rename the disease.

The renaming process was not immediate. WHO initiated consultations with experts and the public to gather input on potential new names.

After considering more than 200 proposals, WHO announced in November 2022 that “mpox” would replace “monkeypox.” The organization decided that both names would be used during a one-year transition period to allow for a smooth adjustment and to minimize confusion.

Global impact of mpox renaming

Renaming the disease to mpox was a significant step in reducing the stigma associated with the virus. The global health community widely supported the change, recognizing the importance of addressing the negative impact of the original name on public perceptions and those affected by the virus.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed support for the change, stating, “We must do all we can to break down barriers to public health, and reducing stigma associated with the disease is one critical step in our work to end mpox.” His statement underscores the need for continued efforts to combat the virus and the discrimination that often accompanies it.

Despite the name change, mpox remains a public health concern. The virus continues to spread, particularly in regions with limited access to vaccines and healthcare. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the virus has been endemic for decades, remains heavily affected. Efforts to control the virus in such areas face significant challenges due to resource constraints.

Mpox in Türkiye: Monitoring, preparedness

As the global situation with mpox continues to evolve, Türkiye has taken steps to monitor and prepare for any potential outbreaks within its borders. Although no cases have been confirmed in the country so far, Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu has stressed the importance of staying vigilant. “We are keeping a close watch on the developments related to mpox and COVID-19. However, there is no immediate alarm at the moment,” he stated.

Experts like professor Dr. Mehmet Ceyhan have echoed these concerns, warning that the virus could eventually reach Türkiye. He noted, “It is unrealistic to assume that mpox won’t reach Türkiye. While no cases have been confirmed here yet, we should not be complacent.” This cautious approach reflects the broader global awareness of the potential for the virus to spread, especially in regions with significant travel connections to affected areas.

Regions severely affected by Mpox in 2024

1. Africa:
   • Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The DRC continues to be the epicenter of the mpox outbreak, with the highest number of cases. Over 13,700 cases have been reported, along with more than 450 deaths. The situation is exacerbated by the region’s ongoing conflicts and limited healthcare resources, making it challenging to control the outbreak.
   • Nigeria: Although Nigeria has fewer cases compared to the DRC, the country is on high alert due to its history of other viral outbreaks. The presence of mpox here is concerning, especially in urban areas where the risk of transmission is higher.
   • Central African Republic: The country reported a significant number of cases in 2024, with over 200 confirmed cases. The outbreak, which started in more rural areas, has now spread to urban centers, increasing the risk of wider dissemination.
2. Americas:
   • United States: The U.S. continues to monitor mpox closely, with ongoing cases reported, though the numbers have significantly decreased from the peaks seen in 2022. The response includes targeted vaccination campaigns, especially among high-risk groups.
   • Brazil: Brazil has also seen continued cases of mpox. Public health measures, including vaccination and awareness campaigns, are in place to prevent further spread.
3. Europe:
   • European countries have managed to control the spread of mpox more effectively than other regions, but isolated cases still occur. Countries like the United Kingdom and Spain continue to report sporadic cases, prompting ongoing surveillance.