Monkeypox will be renamed following calls for a new 'non-discriminatory and non-stigmatising' term, it emerged today.
The World Health Organization (WHO) promised a new name for the rash-causing virus, endemic to Africa, would be announced 'as soon as possible'.
As well as renaming the actual pathogen itself, strains will likely be lettered, such as A or B, to remove any mention of the parts of Africa where they were first spotted.
Over 30 researchers last week signed a position paper stating there was an 'urgent need' to change its name given the current outbreak, which has mainly struck gay and bisexual men.
It has already swept the world to strike over 40 countries, including Britain, the US, Spain and Portugal.
They wrote: 'Continued reference to, and nomenclature of this virus being African is not only inaccurate but is also discriminatory and stigmatizing.'
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