Monkeypox virus (MPV, MPXV, or hMPXV) is a species of double-stranded DNA virus which causes monkeypox in humans and other animals. It belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. Monkeypox virus is one of the human orthopoxvirus along with variola (VARV), cowpox (CPX), and vaccinia (VACV) viruses. It is not a direct ancestor to, nor a direct descendant of, the variola virus, which causes smallpox. Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, but with a milder rash and lower mortality rate. Variation in virulence of the virus has been observed in isolates from Central Africa, where strains are more virulent than those from Western Africa.The two areas have distinct clades of the virus, termed Congo Basin (Central African) and West African clades. [provide by wikipedia: Monkeypox virus]