Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s related to smallpox but milder. It can cause a skin rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face or body. It may also cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, exhaustion, and/or muscle aches, and swelling of the lymph nodes.

Monkeypox is found mostly in West and Central Africa. Recently, it’s spread to people in other countries, including the United States.