Definition: Poxviruses are a class of viruses that cause skin infections in humans and animals. They were first isolated from the skin of bats, monkeys, and other mammals. Poxviruses are named after their characteristic appearance, which is a brown or black rash on the skin that appears to be poikilothermic (like a poikilla). The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty breathing in some cases. Poxviruses were