Discover Alaska's borealpox virus, formerly Alaskapox, now named for its ecosystem origins. Learn about this orthopoxvirus affecting humans and small mammals, with prevention insights.
Alaskapox was discovered in 2015 in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska. It mainly has been found in small mammals. But pets, such as dogs and cats, may also carry the virus.
Alaskapox is a virus belonging to the Orthopox virus family. The most notorious of this group of viruses - which also include cowpox and monkeypox - is smallpox, say experts, which has now been eradicated.