Monkey disease race rap

WORLD health experts are to rename monkeypox over fears it fuels racism.

Chiefs at the World Health Organisation said the disease will now be referred to as “mpox”.

They said in a statement: “When the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatising language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported.

“Following consultation, WHO will use a new preferred term ‘mpox.’”

The virus that causes the disease was discovered in captive monkeys in 1958.

The UK has seen 3,720 cases since May.