First Death from Alaskapox Virus Reported in Alaska

The first known fatality from Alaskapox, a rare virus discovered in 2015, has occurred, highlighting the need for increased awareness and research.

An elderly man in Alaska has died from Alaskapox, marking the first known fatality caused by this rare virus.
Alaskapox was first identified in 2015, and since then, seven cases have been reported, suggesting the virus may be more widespread than previously thought.
The virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family, is believed to spread from small mammals to humans, with no documented cases of human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms of Alaskapox include skin lesions, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, with most cases resolving on their own after a few weeks.
Health officials are urging increased awareness among clinicians and the public, and recommend maintaining a safe distance from wildlife and practicing good hygiene.