Unusual Virus Causing Mild Illnesses Draws Attention
Alaska health officials have been monitoring an unusual virus, known as Alaskapox, for nine years, following rare and relatively mild cases in the Fairbanks area. However, a recent incident resulting in the death of a man in a different part of the state has brought renewed focus to this lesser-known virus.
A Closer Look at Alaskapox
Alaskapox belongs to a group of orthopoxviruses, which can infect both animals and humans, causing skin lesions or pox. While smallpox is the most well-known in this family, others include camelpox, cowpox, and horsepox. Alaskapox was first identified in 2015 in a woman near Fairbanks and has been primarily found in small mammals like red-backed voles and shrews, as well as in domestic pets such as dogs and cats.
Notable Symptoms and Risks
People infected with Alaskapox typically develop skin bumps or pustules, along with joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks, but individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Health authorities believe the virus spreads through contact with infected animals, with no documented cases of human-to-human transmission.
First Reported Death
The recent fatality involving Alaskapox occurred in an elderly man residing in the Kenai Peninsula, who had a suppressed immune system due to cancer treatment. After experiencing symptoms like fatigue and pain, he sought medical attention and was hospitalized before passing away last month. The man, who lived in a remote forested area, had frequent contact with a stray cat that may have transmitted the virus through scratches.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
While Alaskapox is generally considered a rare illness with mild symptoms, health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with wildlife and practicing proper hygiene, such as washing hands after outdoor activities. Additionally, it is advised not to keep wild animals as pets to minimize infection risks.
As the investigation continues, authorities stress the need for vigilance and caution in areas where Alaskapox has been detected, highlighting the potential dangers associated with this emerging virus.