Pox virus. Coloured scanning composite electron micrograph (SEM) of pox virus particles on the surface of an infected cell. Pox particles are composed of a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) genome surrounded by a protein coat and lipid envelope. In monkeypox (Mpox) the virus, which is found near rainforests in Central and West Africa causes disease in humans and monkeys, although its natural hosts are rodents. It is capable of human to human transmission. In This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Magnification: x7000 when printed 10cm wide.