monkey pox outbreak alert monkey pox previously known as moox is a rare viral infection that has recently resurfaced it's caused by the monkey pox virus and while it's not as deadly as small pox it's still a cause for concern here's what you need to know monkey pox symptoms can mimic those of smallpox fever headaches muscle aches lack of energy rash this rash looks like pimples and pus filed blisters it can appear all over your body including your face feet hands genitals and even inside your mouth how it spreads human contact you can catch monkey pox from an infected person through physical contact including touching kissing or sexual contact animals handling or consuming infected animals like hunting skinning or cooking them can also transmit the virus so how can you protect yourself if you're in an affected area consider getting vaccinated against small poox it helps wash your hands often with soap and water avoid sick individuals and their bodily fluids if you think you might have monkey pox seek medical attention right away and isolate yourself to prevent spreading it