In 2015, the state of Alaska Department of Health announced they had identified Alaskapox virus in a patient in Fairbanks, Alaska.  Alaskapox Orthopoxviruses are known to infect mammals, including humans, and can lead to the development of skin lesions.

Since 2015, seven additional cases of Alaskapox virus have been reported in the state. The virus has been confirmed in two specific species within the Fairbanks North Star Borough: red-backed voles and shrews.