1. WHO has changed the name of Monkeypox disease to mpox
Tags: Science and Technology International News
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 28 November 2022 has announced that it will term “mpox” as a synonym for monkeypox. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while “monkeypox” is phased out.
WHO said that the disease's original name was considered “racist and stigmatizing’ in certain countries of the world. After complaints from some member countries WHO decided to rename the disease.
Assigning names to new and, very exceptionally, to existing diseases is the responsibility of WHO under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox disease as a "public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)", on 23 July 2022.It is the highest level of health alert which is issued by WHO.
Monkeypox disease
- Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa.
- It was first identified in monkeys in 1958 hence it is called Monkeypox. It was first identified in humans in 1970.
- Because it was transmitted from animal to human it is called zoonotic disease.
- The first case of Monkeypox in the country was also reported from Kollam district of Kerala on July 14.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
- The World Health Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations which was founded on 7 April, 1948.
- Headquarters of WHO : Geneva, Switzerland
- Director General of WHO: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia.
- Member Countries : 194
2. Centre forms task force to monitor Monkeypox situation in country
Tags: National News
The Central Government has constituted a task force to monitor and provide guidance on expansion of diagnostic facilities in the wake of monkeypox cases in India and to explore the possibility of vaccination for it in the country.
Important facts
The decision was taken during a meeting on 1 August which was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Additional Secretary (PMO) and other senior officials.
The team will be headed by Dr V K Paul, who is the member (Health) of NITI Aayog.
So far, four cases of monkeypox have been reported in India, three in Kerala and one in Delhi.
A young man with monkeypox-like symptoms died in Kerala last week, prompting state Health Minister Veena George to launch a high-level investigation.
Aa per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries.
According to the WHO, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus that spreads from animals to humans.
The symptoms of Monkeypox usually present with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and can lead to a variety of medical complications.
Kindly also see the post dated 15th and 25th July 2022.
