Alaska Doctor Identifies First “Seal Finger” Infection Linked to Brown Bear
Key Points:
Alaska reports first seal finger infection from a brown bear
Hunter injured during fall 2024 skinning developed severe finger infection
Caused by Mycoplasma phocimorsus and confirmed after delayed testing
Routine antibiotics failed, surgeries were needed before correct treatment
Six week doxycycline course cured infection but stiffness remained
Doctors urged to ask about animal exposure in unexplained hand infections
A doctor in Alaska has documented the first known case of a rare zoonotic infection called seal finger transmitted after contact with a brown bear rather than a seal. The case, confirmed in 2024 and publicly detailed in February 2026, has prompted new warnings for hunters, veterinarians and healthcare providers about diagnosing unusual animal related infections early.
What Happened: Rare Infection After Skinning a Bear
In fall 2024, a healthy man in his late 20s sought care at an urgent clinic in Anchorage after developing redness and painful swelling in his left little finger seven days after cutting himself while skinning a brown bear hunted on the Alaska Peninsula.
The injury occurred while separating paw bones and his knife and hand had contacted the bear’s mouth before the cut.
Dr. Benjamin Westley diagnosed the infection after the wound failed to respond to standard antibiotics.
Early testing found nothing definitive, so a tissue sample underwent advanced analysis that identified the bacterium Mycoplasma phocimorsus.
Researchers say this is the first documented case in Alaska linked to a brown bear exposure.
Symptoms Worsened Before Correct Diagnosis
The patient initially received oral trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and topical mupirocin, which are common first-line antibiotics used to treat routine bacterial skin and soft-tissue infections before doctors know the exact germ.
Within days, his condition deteriorated. He developed fever and rapid heart rate and required hospitalization. Surgery revealed a dead tendon and septic arthritis.
Cultures remained negative, delaying diagnosis.
By day 46, imaging showed osteomyelitis, requiring another surgery. Finally, sequencing on day 53 confirmed Mycoplasma phocimorsus and doctors treated him with a six week course of doxycycline.
He recovered without relapse but retained finger stiffness.
What Is Seal Finger
Seal finger is a painful infection historically associated with handling seals, especially during hunting or processing.
The bacterium
Is zoonotic and spreads through animal contact
Does not grow in standard lab cultures
Resists many routine antibiotics
First described in humans in the early 1900s, the condition remains relatively common in rural Alaska and circumpolar regions.
Why This Case Is Unusual
Most infections come from seals, but previous global cases have involved a polar bear and a domestic cat.
Scientists believe the bear may have scavenged an infected seal, contacted contaminated marine tissue, or possibly served as a reservoir host.
This was also only the second time the more serious strain had been identified in Alaska, both diagnosed by Dr. Westley about a decade apart.
Why Doctors Often Miss It
Seal finger mimics common soft tissue infections but fails to respond to standard drugs like beta lactams or sulfonamides.
Delayed diagnosis can lead to joint destruction, functional disability and repeated surgery.
Doctors now recommend considering the disease when patients report exposure to seals, bears or cats.
Treatment and Prevention Guidance
Medical
Consider doxycycline or moxifloxacin when suspected
Use molecular sequencing if cultures are negative
Safety During Hunting or Handling Animals
Wear rubber or nitrile gloves beneath cut resistant gloves
Clean wounds immediately
Wash hands thoroughly
Reference:
White, C. P. “Seal Finger: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.” Cases Journal 2 (2009). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2827281/
(Rh/ARC).
