What's in a name?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its guidelines on naming diseases that infect humans.  Basically they want the practice of using the names of people, places and animals stopped (For the record, I would be totally honored to have a disease named after me).  The reason given by WHO is that such naming conventions can have a negative impact on the economy.  We actually saw this with bird flu, mad cow disease and swine flu.   So it is understandable that people would be a bit nervous about this, especially if you have a vested interest in the economy such as with a farmer or meat processor, food retailer, etc.

One thing to keep in mind is that what the guidelines are not saying is that current naming conventions are not ever accurate.  The fact is, sometimes they are.  Swine flu actually did originate within the swine population of factory farms according to the CDC (read all about it here).

Although I appreciate the need to protect the economy and livelihood of those who are dependent on it remaining strong for their particular sector, I am concerned that this is not going to ultimately help another very important part of the economy: the consumer.  You and me.   Distancing people from the ultimate problem, factory farming in the case of the examples I mentioned, is only going to feed the typical problem most of us have when it comes to danger: see no evil, hear no evil.  We seem to lack object permanence when it comes to danger.  If I close my eyes, it isn't there.  On top of that, those in control of the market, although often aware of the danger to the public, do whatever they can to make sure the public remains unaware (Just ask Oprah Winfrey and note the continuing battle for Ag-Gag laws).  Let's face it, knowing that pig farms are producing deadly flues and eating hamburger can cause symptoms reminiscent of Alzheimer's does make some people, especially consumers, a bit reluctant to eat the stuff.

I'm going to guess, that even with these guidelines, people are going to continue naming diseases using monikers they can remember.  H1N1 just isn't that catchy.  If the scientists won't do it then the public will.  We just like our names.  Bovine spongiform encephalopathy?  Nah.  Mad cow disease?  Oh yeah.  Not only is it catchier, but it reminds me of why I've not allowed my children to eat hamburger since (just to be on the safe side).