"Alaskapox Claims First Fatal Victim in State"

The first known fatal case of Alaskapox has been reported in an immunocompromised man on the Kenai Peninsula, marking a significant development as previous cases had only resulted in mild infections. The virus, belonging to the same genus as smallpox and monkeypox, was first identified in Alaska in 2015 and is primarily found in small mammals. The man's death has prompted state health officials to raise awareness among medical providers and the public, as the virus may be more widespread in Alaska's rodents and small animals than previously thought. The cause of the fatal case remains unclear, but health officials recommend practicing good hygiene around wildlife and pets that may come in contact with infected animals.