Known to most as the Coronavirus or COVID-19, U.S. President Donald J. Trump has labeled the virus as the “Chinese Virus.”Some critics have claimed that such a label is racist.

To fully understand the labeling of this virus, we must also be aware of the meaning of the word corona. In Latin, corona means “crown.”In ancient Rome, a corona was a crown or garland bestowed because of distinguished military service. The virus was given its name due to the series of crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus.

Thus, the name Coronavirus. Besides the COVID-19, there are other types of Cononaviruses that exist.

This particular new strain of the virus causes several symptoms ranging from cough, fever, sore throat, or runny nose. In some cases, the symptoms may increase to a deadly illness like pneumonia.

Historically, this is not the first time in which a virus was given a label because of its geographical origins. In the case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), this virus was officially named based on the geographical region from which it originated.

Some critics argue that to name a virus based on geographical origins is racist, while others contend that such a label provides regional and even historical descriptors of a virus.

I understand the sentiments of both sides, but caution that we must always be aware of how potential stereotypes can unfairly label and blame a group of people for a virus’s global affect. The act of labeling can often bring undeserved and unwarranted disdain for a cultural group who is associated with the virus’s geographical origins.

As a bioethics, my recommendation is to refer to viruses according to the scientific term given. By referring to a virus according to its scientific name, the chance of offending a cultural or regional group of people is reduced or even eliminated.