For nine years, health officials in Alaska have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare and relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area.

But a recent case in another part of the state – which resulted in a man's death – brought renewed attention to the Alaskapox virus.

Here is some basic information about the virus.

What is Alaskapox?

The Alaskapox disease belongs to a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect animals and humans. These insects, known as orthopoxvirus viruses, tend to cause lesions or pox on the skin. Each has its own characteristics, and some are considered more serious than others.

Smallpox is probably the most famous, but other family members include camel pox, cowpox, horsepox, and chickenpox – formerly known as monkeypox.

Alaska pox was discovered in 2015 in a woman living near Fairbanks, Alaska. It has been mainly found in small mammals, including red-backed voles and shrews. However, health officials say that pets, such as dogs and cats, may also carry the virus.

Seven people, all in Alaska, have contracted this disease in the past nine years.

What are the symptoms?

People infected with Alaska pox developed one or more bumps or blisters on their skin, along with joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.

Nearly all patients experienced mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. But people with weakened immune systems may be at risk of more severe illness.

How does Alaskapox spread?

Officials believe that Alaskapox spreads through contact with infected animals.

There has been no documented case of the disease spreading from person to person, but other viruses from the same family can spread when a person comes into contact with another person's lesions, so Alaska health officials advise anyone with an Alaska pox lesion to cover it with a bandage.

What happened in the recent case?

Alaska health officials are aware of seven people infected with the Alaskapox virus since its discovery, but the recent case represents the first time a death has been reported from it.

The elderly man, who lived on the Kenai Peninsula, was being treated for cancer and had a weakened immune system due to medication. In September, he noticed a red sore under his right armpit, and he sought medical care over the next two months due to fatigue and burning pain. He was hospitalized in November and died last month, according to last week's bulletin from Alaska public health officials.

The man lived in a remote forested area and had not traveled, and officials said the man was frequently scratched by a stray cat that hunted small animals, and one of the scratches was in the man's armpit area.

How can I protect myself and my pets?

Health officials believe that Alaska pox is a rare disease that causes relatively mild symptoms in most cases.

However, wildlife can carry infection risks; health officials say the best ways to keep pets and family members safe are to maintain a safe distance and wash your hands after being outdoors. Also, do not try to keep wildlife as pets.