What is Alaskapox? How does it spread? What are the symptoms? All you need to know about unusual virus in Alaska

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...

Alaskapox belongs to a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect animals and humans..

But other viruses in the same family can spread when one person comes in contact with another persons lesions, so Alaska health officials are advising anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage...

Alaska health officials are aware of seven people infected with Alaskapox since the virus was discovered, but the latest case represents the first time someone is known to have died from it..

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