The term “coronavirus” is commonly used by the public, but it refers to a broad family of viruses, not a single entity. The query about a “new name” for the coronavirus touches upon a complex system of scientific classification and public health communication. There isn’t a single new name for the original virus, but rather distinct names for the virus itself, the disease it causes, and its evolving forms or variants.
Distinguishing the Virus from the Disease
The virus that caused the recent global pandemic is officially named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This name was assigned on February 11, 2020, by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). The name reflects its genetic similarity to the SARS-CoV virus responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak, although they are distinct viruses.
The illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 is known as Coronavirus Disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the disease COVID-19 on February 11, 2020. The acronym “COVID-19” breaks down to “CO” for corona, “VI” for virus, “D” for disease, and “19” for the year 2019, when the outbreak was first detected.
Naming Variants of Concern
As SARS-CoV-2 continued to spread, it naturally evolved, leading to the emergence of new versions known as “variants”. These variants possess mutations that can alter the virus’s characteristics, such as its transmissibility or the severity of the illness it causes. The WHO developed a system for naming significant variants.
On May 31, 2021, the WHO introduced a system using letters of the Greek alphabet to label Variants of Concern (VOC) and Variants of Interest (VOI). Examples of well-known variants named under this system include Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron. These Greek letter labels do not replace the scientific names, which convey important genetic information, but offer an easy-to-pronounce alternative for public discourse.
The Naming Process and Its Purpose
The naming of viruses and diseases involves specific international bodies and follows established principles to ensure global clarity and consistency. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) is responsible for the taxonomic classification and nomenclature of viruses. This body develops a universal scheme for viruses, ensuring each has a unique and consistent name based on its genetic structure. Their aim is to create stable names, avoid confusion, and prevent unnecessary creation of names.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the authority for naming diseases in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The WHO also assigns labels for variants of concern and interest. Both organizations adhere to guidelines that aim to avoid names that could cause offense, such as those derived from geographical locations, people’s names, or animal species. This practice helps prevent stigma and encourages countries to report new outbreaks or variants without fear of being associated with a negative connotation. The overarching goal of these naming conventions is to provide scientifically accurate, pronounceable, and socially acceptable terms that facilitate clear global communication during public health events.