The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reinstated the use of the term “monkeypox” for the viral disease officially renamed “mpox” in 2022. The move, reported first by NPR, has sparked controversy, as the name was previously abolished due to its racist and stigmatizing connotations.
Why the disease was renamed in the first place
In 2022, amid global outbreaks, the World Health Organization (WHO) dropped the term “monkeypox” after widespread criticism.
- The word “monkey” has historically been used as a racial slur against Black communities.
- Reports emerged of racist and stigmatizing language online and in public discourse during outbreaks.
- Because the disease was spreading primarily through sexual contact among men, it drew further stigma reminiscent of the early HIV/AIDS epidemic.
To reduce discrimination and misinformation, WHO recommended the neutral term “mpox.” U.S. health agencies followed suit—until now.
The Trump administration’s reversal
In September 2025, the CDC quietly reverted to using “monkeypox” on its official channels. When asked, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also used the old name, stating: “Monkeypox is the name of the viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.”
The justification has raised questions, given WHO’s stance and the global health community’s efforts to avoid stigmatizing language. Critics argue that the reversal risks reigniting harmful stereotypes.
Where did the virus come from?
The disease was first identified in 1958 when captive Asian monkeys shipped to Denmark from Singapore developed the virus. This early discovery led to the mistaken assumption that monkeys were the natural hosts.
- First human cases: Detected in the 1970s in West and Central Africa.
- Likely carriers: Current evidence points to African rodents, particularly squirrels, as natural reservoirs.
- Virus family: Mpox belongs to the same Orthopoxvirus family as smallpox and cowpox.
The virus saw major outbreaks in 2022 and 2024, leading WHO to declare international public health emergencies. Despite its name, monkeys are not considered the primary carriers.
Who decides disease names?
Naming viruses and diseases involves two different authorities:
- Diseases: WHO holds the authority to name or rename diseases under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), working with member states through a consultative process.
- Viruses: The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has the sole authority to rename viruses themselves.
That’s why WHO was able to rename the disease “mpox” but the virus remains officially “monkeypox virus.”
Why the return to “monkeypox” matters
Reverting to the old name has both scientific and social consequences:
- Public health impact: Using a stigmatized term may discourage people from seeking testing or treatment.
- Global credibility: The U.S. risks appearing out of step with international health standards.
- Social harm: The racial undertones of the name could reinforce discrimination, particularly against Black and LGBTQ+ communities, most affected in past outbreaks.
This decision comes amid broader criticism that Trump-era policies have politicized public health issues, potentially undermining global cooperation.
TL;DR – Key takeaways
- The CDC under Trump has resumed using the term “monkeypox”, three years after WHO rebranded it as “mpox.”
- The original term was abandoned due to racist connotations and stigma during 2022 outbreaks.
- The virus was first found in monkeys in 1958 but likely originates from African rodents.
- WHO names diseases; the ICTV names viruses.
- Critics warn the reversal could damage public health messaging and reignite harmful stereotypes.
