Why We Call It Monkeypox- Unveiling the Origin and Evolution of the Disease

Why Call It Monkey Pox?

The name “monkeypox” has been a subject of debate and confusion for many years. This viral disease, which is closely related to smallpox, was first identified in monkeys in 1958, hence the name. However, the question arises: why call it monkeypox? Is it simply because it was discovered in monkeys, or is there a deeper reason behind this naming convention?

One possible explanation for the name is the historical context in which the disease was discovered. In the 1950s, scientists were conducting research on smallpox in monkeys, which were used as a model organism to study the disease. During these experiments, the virus was accidentally transmitted to humans, leading to the first recorded cases of monkeypox. Since the disease was first identified in monkeys, it was named accordingly.

Another reason for the name could be the similarity between monkeypox and smallpox. Both diseases belong to the Orthopoxvirus genus, and they share many clinical features, such as fever, rash, and scabs. The name “monkeypox” was chosen to highlight this similarity, as well as to differentiate it from the more severe smallpox virus.

However, some argue that the name “monkeypox” is misleading and outdated. They point out that the disease is not limited to monkeys and can be transmitted to humans through other animals, such as rodents and primates. Moreover, the name does not reflect the fact that the virus has been detected in various countries, including those where monkeys are not native.

In recent years, there have been calls to rename the disease to better reflect its nature and to avoid confusion. Some proposed names include “humanpox” and “clade P ox.” These names aim to emphasize that the disease primarily affects humans and is part of the same family as smallpox.

Despite the ongoing debate, the name “monkeypox” remains widely used in scientific literature and public health discussions. It is important to recognize that the name is a reflection of the historical context in which the disease was discovered and not necessarily an accurate description of its current status. As research continues and our understanding of the disease evolves, it may be time to reconsider the name and adopt a more appropriate term that reflects the global nature of this viral threat.