Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that's similar to but less severe than smallpox. It's caused by the monkeypox virus, primarily found in animals like rodents and primates in Central and West Africa. The disease can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals, through animal bites, or by handling animal products like meat.
Symptoms of monkeypox in humans include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that often starts on the face then spreads to other parts of the body. The illness is usually mild and self-limiting, with most people recovering within a few weeks. However, in some cases, complications can arise, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Monkeypox is not a widespread illness and occurs sporadically in certain parts of Africa. Human-to-human transmission is possible, but it's generally limited and tends to occur within close contacts of an infected person. There have been rare cases of monkeypox reported outside Africa, including in the United States and the United Kingdom, typically related to travel from affected regions.
