NEW YORK (AP) — For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area.
But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man's death — has brought new attention to the so-called Alaskapox virus.
But pets, such as dogs and cats, may also carry the virus, health officials say.
He was hospitalized in November and died last month, according to a bulletin last week from Alaska public health officials.
Alaskapox is a rare illness that in most cases causes a relatively mild symptoms, health officials believe.
Persons:
—, mpox —
Organizations:
Health, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science, Educational Media Group, AP
Locations:
Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks , Alaska, Kenai