IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

12 Mar 2025 : What’s in a (disease’s) name?

Editorial 1: What’s in a (disease’s) name?

Context

Naming diseases after locations can contribute to misinformation, stigma, and racial bias.

 

Introduction

Diseases named after places, known as toponymous diseases, can be linked to towns, rivers, islands, forests, mountains, valleys, countries, continents, or even trenches. Some examples include the Spanish flu, Delhi boil, Madura foot, and West Nile virus.

 

What is Impact of Naming Diseases After Places

1. Negative Effects of Place-Based Disease Names

  • Causes misinformation and misunderstanding
  • Leads to stigma and racial prejudice
  • Politicizes science and damages its credibility
  • Unfairly associates countries or regions with diseases

2. Case Study: The Spanish Flu Misconception

  • The 1918-1920 influenza pandemic was wrongly named the "Spanish flu"
  • It did not originate in Spain
  • Spain, being neutral in World War I, freely reported on the outbreak
  • Other nations suppressed flu-related news to maintain morale
  • Due to this, the pandemic was mistakenly linked to Spain
  • The disease affected 500 million people and caused over 20 million deaths

3. The Need for Accurate Naming

  • Avoids misinformation and unnecessary blame
  • Promotes scientific integrity and global cooperation
  • Ensures that naming focuses on science, not geography

 

What are the WHO’s Efforts to Promote Scientific Naming of Diseases?

  • WHO’s 2015 Mandate on Disease Naming
    • Experts raised concerns about the issues caused by place-based disease names
    • In 2015, WHO mandated that diseases should be named based on scientific characteristics rather than geography
    • Encouraged the use of neutral and descriptive terminology
  • Example: Renaming of Zika-Related Disease
    • The Zika virus was named after the Zika forest in Uganda, where it was first discovered in 1947
    • Originally linked to microcephaly in newborns
    • WHO proposed the name "congenital Zika syndrome" to reflect broader fetal health impacts
  • Example: Adoption of "Mpox" for Monkeypox
    • Reports emerged of racist and stigmatizing language linked to the term "monkeypox"
    • WHO introduced "mpox" as an alternative name
    • Aimed at reducing discrimination and preventing harmful stereotypes

 

What are the latest issue with Misleading and Inappropriate Disease Naming?

Issues

Impact

Continued Misnaming Trend

Despite WHO guidelines, misleading names persist.

Case: Trichophyton (T.) indotineae

Dermatologists from India and 13 other countries objected to this region-specific fungal name.

Concerns About the Name

The term "indotineae" has negative connotations and disregards WHO recommendations.

Discovery and Naming

Japanese dermatologists identified the fungus in patients from India and Nepal and proposed the name in 2020.

Unknown Origin

The actual origin of the fungus is still unclear, and it has been reported in over 40 countries.

Impact of the Fungus

Causes ringworm and is resistant to terbinafine, a common antifungal drug.

Scientific Objections

Indian experts argue that the name is prejudicial and does not align with WHO and ASM guidelines.

WHO’s Role in Disease Naming

WHO assigns and, when necessary, renames diseases under the International Classification of Diseases.

Guidelines for Naming

WHO considers scientific accuracy, global usage, ease of pronunciation, and avoidance of geographic or zoological references.

Historical Example: Reiter’s Syndrome

Originally named after Hans Reiter, a German physician with Nazi ties, but later renamed Reactive Arthritis due to ethical concerns.

Current Case and WHO Mandate

The naming of T. indotineae contradicts WHO’s mandate and does not contribute to treatment or research advancements.

 

Conclusion: What is the need of the hour?

Right now, the WHO and scientists around the world should focus on understanding the causes of diseases and working together to find ways to prevent and control them. It’s important to use clear and accurate language. The COVID-19 outbreak showed us that we are all connected, and our actions affect others. We should stay united, be considerate, and look for ways to support each other. Germs don’t care about borders, but stereotypes only create division.