Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox.
Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal.
Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face
The rash goes through different stages before healing completely.
The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms
Some only experience a rash.