Skip to main content

The timeline can be navigated by dragging the pointer on the timeline bar, located at the bottom of the screen on the desktop version and on the left of the screen on mobile. To filter by a specific topic, make a selection on the dropdown “Filters” menu or click “Search” to do a keyword search. To learn more, click “Read More” below.

Read More
Colorized image of monkeypox viral cells, bright orange circles against a yellow and black background.
Monkeypox virus (Image: NIAID).

Monkeypox is discovered after an outbreak in an animal facility in Copenhagen, Denmark.

1958

EPD
Monkeypox virus (Image: NIAID).

Monkeypox is discovered when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occur in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named "monkeypox," the source of the disease remains unknown. However, rodents and non-human primates are seen as potential carriers who harbor the virus and infect people.