Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

HHS Reverts to 'Monkeypox' Amid Controversy and Concerns

9/23/2025

50 9

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reverted to 'monkeypox' despite World Health Organization (WHO) adopting 'mpox' in November 2022.
Virologists urged change, citing outdated language and harmful racial connotations.
International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has not changed the virus's formal name.
Rationale for HHS's decision remains unclear and may reflect sentiment.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reverted to 'monkeypox' despite World Health Organization (WHO) adopting 'mpox' in November 2022.
Virologists urged change, citing outdated language and harmful racial connotations.
International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has not changed the virus's formal name.
Rationale for HHS's decision remains unclear and may reflect sentiment.