News that an elderly man in Alaska has died from Alaskapox — the first known fatality, according to state health officials — has brought newfound attention to the recently discovered virus.

The man, who lived in the remote Kenai Peninsula and had a suppressed immune system due to cancer treatments, was hospitalized in November and died in late January, according to a bulletin released Friday by Alaska public health officials.

Alaskapox, also known as AKPV, is part of a group of viruses called orthopoxviruses, which infect mammals and cause skin lesions, according to the Alaska Department of Health.

First discovered in 2015, Alaskapox is related to smallpox, cowpox and mpox, officials said.

Though it's unclear how the man contracted the virus, officials said it's possible that it could be linked to a stray cat that lived with him.

The news comes as health officials in Oregon recently confirmed a rare case of human plague in a resident who was likely infected by their pet cat.
Alaskapox symptoms

The Alaska Department of Health said symptoms of Alaskapox can include:

One or more skin lesions
Rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Joint or muscle pain

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