So, What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox

An African Squirrel, from which scientists believe the Monkeypox virus originated

A disease strangely similar to smallpox, the Monkeypox virus is mostly found in rodents, and other small animals.  Discovered in 1958 from studies using lab monkeys (hence the name),  Monkeypox mostly occurs in the rainforests of Central and Western Africa.  It is believed that Monkeypox has a host in the African squirrel, since it was found in most of them.  The biggest outbreak of Monkeypox in humans happened in the United States, in the year 2003.  In the year 2003, there were a reported 93 cases of Monkeypox in humans.  Although mostly found in rodents, the 2003 U.S. outbreak had also effected a number of prairie dogs. 

---