Monkeypox is a rare viral disease found in Central and West Africa that is caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is similar to the smallpox virus, but is typically milder, with symptoms such as fever, rash, and fatigue.
People can be infected through contact with an infected animal or through contact with an infected person. Monkeypox has been found to disproportionately affect gay men, as they are more likely to come into contact with the virus due to their having increased contact with the animal reservoir of the virus. In addition, men have been found to be more likely to develop more severe symptoms of the disease, resulting in greater transmission of the virus.