Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family as the smallpox virus. It primarily occurs in central and west Africa, where it is transmitted to humans from animals, such as rodents and primates. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it can lead to more severe health issues in some cases. Transmission between humans can occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets. While monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox, outbreaks can still happen, and vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide some protection against monkeypox.