Ebola= River in Congo
Zika= Forest in Uganda
Interesting that it's okay when it originates from Africa, but xenophobic if it is anywhere else
Seems like it's current conduct to name it without a place person or thing.
"Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, said the organisation was mindful to prevent "stigmatising" names.
He said: "Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising.
"
""It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks."
The WHO added via Twitter: "
Under agreed guidelines between WHO, the @OIEAnimalHealth & @FAO, we had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease".
According to experts, the name of a disease is instrumental during an outbreak.
Speaking to TIME Magazine, Wendy Parmet, a law professor at Northeastern University, said if scientists name a disease after its country of origin, perceived stigma may make people hesitant to come forward."
CORONAVIRUS infections have passed three million worldwide, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows its first signs of slowing in some countries, while others remain at risk. What does COVID-19 stand for?
www.express.co.uk
