A rodent-sized mammal found in east Alabama is causing a stir across the state and beyond. According to a press release from Auburn University, researchers at AU are part of a team that has identified the first henipavirus in North America — in the tissue of a northern short-tailed shrew. The discovery was published this week in the journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases” and has since made national headlines.

Scientists say while viruses always bring some level of uncertainty, there is no evidence the newly identified virus can infect humans.