For nearly a decade, Alaska health officials have been monitoring an unusual virus known as Alaskapox. Recently, the virus gained attention after a case in a different part of the state resulted in the death of a man. As we delve into the background of this mysterious virus, it is important to understand its nature and the potential risks associated with it.
Alaskapox belongs to a family of orthopoxviruses, which are brick-shaped viruses that can infect both animals and humans. These viruses are known to cause lesions, or pox, on the skin. Examples of other viruses in this family include smallpox, camelpox, cowpox, horsepox, and mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). Alaskapox was first discovered in 2015 in a woman near Fairbanks, Alaska. It is primarily found in small mammals such as red-backed voles and shrews, although pets like dogs and cats can also carry the virus.
