# Naming viruses The naming of viruses is managed by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), and are named based on their genetic structures.[^1] By naming them on their genetic structures, it helps in the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines.[^2] *See also: [[Naming diseases]]* [^1]: [World Health Organization - Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it) [^2]: [World Health Organization - Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it)