Citing ‘Stigmatization’ Concerns, WHO Plans to Rename Monkeypox

In a bid to avoid “stigmatization,” the World Health Organization plans to rename the virus long known as “monkeypox,” which was first reported in Africa decades ago but has emerged in dozens of countries outside the continent this year.

The planned change comes as the U.N. health agency prepares to convene experts to decide whether the outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

International health regulations call for a PHEIC to be declared when “an extraordinary event” is determined to pose a public health risk through the...