who Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus called monkeypox virus. It spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, causing a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. It can make people very sick and leave scars.

Sweden, Germany, Belgium and the U.K. have all reported cases, although there have been no major outbreaks outside Africa. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says the risk to the general population in Europe is low.