Buzz
Following weeks of slight uncertainty and awkward hashtags like #2019-nCoV, the illness originating from the Wuhan coronavirus has now been given a concise, precise, and non-stigmatizing title: COVID-19.
The World Health Organization revealed the name earlier today. “COVID” stands for “coronavirus disease,” with the 19 indicating the year it was first detected, in late 2019.
The name intentionally excludes “Wuhan” to avoid associating the city with the disease. Imagine having to explain living near the Ebola river—it’s not a pleasant thought.
The term 'coronavirus' refers to a broader group of viruses, encompassing SARS, MERS, and common cold viruses. The new virus, closely related to SARS, is named SARS-CoV-2, with COVID-19 being the disease it triggers.
A few years back, the WHO established guidelines for naming new diseases. These rules, though logical, restrict obvious naming choices. Names tied to locations, individuals, or animals (e.g., 'swine flu') are avoided to prevent stigma or misconceptions, such as believing avoiding pigs could prevent swine flu.
Thus, we have COVID-19—a name that’s scientific, descriptive, and easy to say. It’s memorable and even has a hint of an outbreak thriller movie vibe. Regardless, it’s a name that’s here to stay.
Updated 2/11/2020 at 1:02pm to clarify that COVID-19 refers to the disease, while SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus itself.
