
Alaska man dies from novel animal-borne virus, likely contracted from stray cat
Fox News
The first fatality from Alaskapox, a type of orthopoxvirus, has been reported on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. Here's what public health officials want people to know about the virus.
The man, whose immune system had been suppressed by cancer treatments, first noticed a tender red bump in his underarm. Over the next few weeks, he also experienced fatigue and pain in his arm and shoulder. "I think it’s something we all should be aware of, but it's not something that presents a major public health disaster." "It’s usually a very mild infection, but there's the potential that it could be more serious in the immunocompromised." Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
On Nov. 17, the patient was hospitalized with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, according to the Alaska Department of Public Health (ADPH).