Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus family. Monkeypox is primarily found in central and west Africa, where it is transmitted to humans from animals such as rodents or primates. It is characterized by a fever, rash, and painful swelling of the lymph nodes. Most cases of monkeypox are mild, but severe cases can be life-threatening. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the disease can be prevented with a smallpox vaccine.