Accused of discriminating against Africa, the WHO is renamed the "Monkey Acne" virus

Polar news reporter Wang Liangliang Huang Jiaqi

According to the Associated Press reported on August 13, the World Health Organization is holding an open forum to rename "Monkey Acne". Some critics have previously accused the name "Monkey Acne" with derogation and racial discrimination.

There are two branches of monkey acne virus, known as the "China -Africa (Congo Basin) branch virus" and "West African branch virus".

Monkey acne virus particles (picture source: BBC)

In June of this year, more than 30 scientists wrote an article calling for changing the name of the virus, saying that "urgently need a non -discriminatory and non -stigma" name. They believe that the virus is "African virus" is neither accurate nor discriminatory.

These scientists said that the use of this naming method "violates geographical location in the naming of the disease". They urged WHO to change the name "African virus".

The WHO said in a statement on August 12 that in order to avoid stigma, the two branches of the virus will be renamed by Roman numbers instead of geographical areas.

Monkey acne virus, known as the "China -Africa (Congo Basin) branch", is renamed "Evolution 1" or "I", and the Monkey Acne Virus, which is called "West African Branch", will be renamed "Evolution Branch 2" Or "II".

The WHO stated that this decision was made after a scientist meeting this week, which is in line with the best way to name the disease. Offending and minimizing the negative impact on trade, tourism or animal welfare to the minimum ".

Monkey acne was originally named in 1958. At that time, Danish research monkeys were observed by a "acne -like" disease. Although they were not considered animal hosts, this disease was still named "Monkey Acne". Essence

Since May of this year, so far, more than 31,000 cases of acne have been confirmed worldwide. For decades, monkey acne has been popular in China and Africa in parts of Western Africa. It was not until May this year that a large -scale epidemic was caused outside the African continent.

The WHO announced in July that the spread of monkey acne in the world was an international emergency. The United States also announced earlier this month that the monkey acne epidemic was an emergency.

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