Saying ‘Mpox Disease’ Is a Tautological Error

Saying ‘Mpox Disease’ is Redundant: A Case of Linguistic Missteps

Friday, March 28, 2025

The Redundancy of 'Mpox Disease'

Referring to “Mpox disease” is an exercise in tautology—akin to saying “malaria disease” or “cancer disease.” The term “Mpox,” a shortened form of monkeypox, already denotes a medical condition. There is no need to restate the obvious.

But this misuse is just one symptom of a broader issue: a creeping erosion of precision in language, fueled in part by an increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI). Today, many are turning to tools like ChatGPT to draft opinion pieces, attach their names, and publish for profit—raising questions about authenticity and intellectual rigor.

A Cultural Shift: From Heartfelt to Generic

There was a time when people crafted handwritten notes or heartfelt messages for loved ones. Now, even the simplest greetings—“Good morning,” “Ijumaa Kareem,” “Happy Eid,” or “Happy Easter”—are copied from the internet and forwarded on messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

This shift reflects a growing unwillingness to invest personal effort, even in expressions of affection. For some of us—call us old-fashioned if you will—these artificial, often recycled messages lack the sincerity they aim to convey. Personally, I delete such greetings without responding unless they bear a handwritten name or are uniquely addressed.

Missteps in Language and Reporting

Let’s delve into some linguistic inaccuracies from recent newspaper reports that deserve scrutiny—not only as editorial concerns but as examples of how clarity and accuracy are essential to public discourse.

1. Tanzania and Zanzibar: A Misrepresentation

In the March 20 edition of a national broadsheet, a story titled “Minister urges schools to launch digital math clubs” quotes a government official saying:

“The University of Dar es Salaam… launched a six-month internship programme… to increase the number of science teachers in TANZANIA and ZANZIBAR.”

This phrasing is problematic. Tanzania, as the United Republic, already includes Zanzibar. For specificity, one should say “Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar,” or simply “Tanzania,” if general reference is sufficient.

2. Constituency Renaming Confusion

Another story on the same page—“Kagera rejects proposed division of two constituencies, accepts renaming one”—includes this line:

“Kagera RC Fatma Mwasa called for a vote, with 98 percent rejecting the division… Meanwhile, 100 percent of the members agreed to rename Nkenge Constituency AS Misenyi.”

The use of “as” in “rename… as Misenyi” is grammatically incorrect. The proper construction should be: “…agreed to rename Nkenge Constituency Misenyi.”

3. Uhuru Torch Mischaracterization

In the March 22 issue, an article titled “Villagers contribute 49.2m/= to build school” states:

“Coast Regional Administrative Secretary… expressed his appreciation during a recent visit to the village to inspect projects that will be highlighted during the upcoming National Uhuru Torch RACES next month.”

The Uhuru Torch is a single, annual national event—a symbolic relay covering all 26 regions of Tanzania. Hence, the proper phrasing would be “the upcoming National Uhuru Torch race,” not “races.”

4. Back to Mpox: A Lingering Misuse

Lastly, another article on the same page reads: “Sumbawanga DC calls for public awareness campaign on Mpox DISEASE.”

Again, the phrase “Mpox disease” redundantly reiterates what the term already implies. Such usage not only undermines linguistic precision but also contributes to confusion in public health communication.

Final Thoughts

The English language, with all its complexities and nuances, demands careful handling—especially in journalism. From redundant expressions to factual inaccuracies, these errors serve as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful writing and editing in shaping informed, articulate public discourse.