A rare and newly discovered virus called Alaskapox has caused the death of an elderly man in Alaska, according to health officials. This is the first fatality linked to the virus, which was first identified in 2015.
What is Alaskapox?
Alaskapox is a type of orthopoxvirus, a family of viruses that includes smallpox, mpox, and cowpox. Orthopoxviruses can infect humans and animals, causing skin lesions, fever, and other symptoms. Alaskapox is closely related to volepox, another virus found in rodents.
How did the man get infected?
The man, who lived in a remote area of the Kenai Peninsula, had a history of cancer and a weakened immune system. He reported caring for a stray cat that often hunted small mammals and scratched him. Health officials suspect that the cat may have transmitted the virus to him through its saliva or claws.
How common is Alaskapox?
Alaskapox is very rare and has only been detected in seven people since 2015. All of them were from the Fairbanks region, except for the deceased man. The virus is believed to be spread by wild animals, such as voles and shrews, that live in forested areas of Alaska.
How serious is the disease?
Alaskapox usually causes mild illness that resolves on its own. The symptoms include skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle or joint pain. However, people with compromised immune systems may develop more severe disease and complications. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for it, but antiviral drugs may help in some cases.
How to prevent Alaskapox?
Health officials advise people to avoid contact with sick or injured animals, especially rodents, and to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling them. They also recommend covering any skin lesions and washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus. People who develop symptoms of the virus should seek medical attention and inform their doctors of their exposure history.