The recent death of an elderly man in Alaska due to Alaskapox, the first known fatality, has drawn attention to this mysterious virus. Health officials are shedding light on Alaskapox, also known as AKPV, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus group, causing skin lesions in mammals. Discovered in 2015, Alaskapox shares relations with smallpox, cowpox, and mpox, with its origins still under investigation.
The deceased individual, residing in the remote Kenai Peninsula, had a suppressed immune system due to cancer treatments. He was hospitalized in November and succumbed to the virus in late January, according to Alaska public health officials.
Symptoms of Alaskapox include one or more skin lesions, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint or muscle pain. Often confused with insect bites, these lesions can prompt individuals to seek medical attention. Dr. Joe McLaughlin, state epidemiologist, emphasizes the importance of early healthcare provider visits, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.
The virus’s transmission remains unclear, but it may be zoonotic, potentially jumping from animals to humans. Tests found evidence of current or previous Alaskapox infection in small mammals in the Fairbanks area. The deceased individual’s connection to a stray cat highlights the possibility of zoonotic transmission.
Precautions against Alaskapox include avoiding potential infections from wildlife and covering skin lesions with a bandage. Officials also recommend refraining from sharing bedding or linens that may have come into contact with the lesion. While no human-to-human transmission has been documented, vigilance is advised, particularly for pet owners.
Alaskapox, with only six reported cases since 2015, seems limited to Alaska, with the Fairbanks area being the focal point. Health experts consider the risk of it becoming a major public health concern outside Alaska as very low. However, increased awareness may lead to additional reported cases, necessitating more animal sampling and testing to understand the virus’s prevalence and behavior.
Stay informed about Alaskapox developments, symptoms, and precautions as health officials continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding this emerging virus.
