Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. Mpox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and some other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers on Diagnostic Testing The public health response to monkeypox depends on timely and comprehensive laboratory testing and reporting of those results. Tests should be performed on persons for whom monkeypox is suspected based on clinical presentation and epidemiologic criteria.

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare viral infection caused by the monkeypox (mpox) virus. It is very similar to the smallpox virus but milder. It is not very infectious and can be hard to catch. Symptoms are very similar to other viral illnesses such as chickenpox. Treatments are aimed at helping symptoms until you are better.