Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Mpoxis endemic in parts of Central (Clade I) and West Africa (Clade II). It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. The virus has been found in animals including squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, different species of monkeys and others.