Alaska Resident Dies from Rare Alaskapox Virus, First Fatal Case Reported
Alaskapox, a relatively new and rare virus, has claimed its first life in Alaska. The state’s public health officials reported the death of an elderly man who was immunocompromised, making him more susceptible to severe illness. This marks the first case of an Alaskapox infection resulting in hospitalization and death ever reported. The virus was initially identified in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2015, and since then, only seven cases have been reported in the state.
Dr. Joe McLaughlin, the state epidemiologist and chief of the Alaska Division of Public Health Section of Epidemiology, assured the public that Alaskapox remains rare. He stated, “For the vast majority of people who may come in contact with this virus, the clinical course will likely be mild.” The virus primarily affects small animals such as voles and shrews and has not shown any evidence of human-to-human transmission.
The deceased resident lived alone in a forested area and had reported caring for a stray cat. However, subsequent tests on the cat came back negative for the virus. Dr. McLaughlin speculated that the cat may have been catching voles or shrews, which could have transmitted the virus through a scratch.
The patient had visited his doctor and local emergency room over a six-week period for a lesion and was prescribed antibiotics. As his condition worsened, he was eventually hospitalized, and tests sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the viral infection as Alaskapox. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the virus a few weeks later.
Public health officials in Alaska are now urging doctors to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of Alaskapox and consider testing patients they suspect may have contracted the illness. If patients develop lesions, they should avoid touching them and keep them dry and covered. Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing cloth and linen with others is also recommended.
For those who regularly come into contact with wildlife, extra precautions are advised. Julia Rogers, an epidemic intelligence service officer at the CDC embedded with the Alaska Department of Health, emphasized the importance of being safe and hygienic when interacting with wildlife animals.
The hope is that increased awareness of Alaskapox will lead to easier identification of future cases. Dr. McLaughlin stated, “As more clinicians become aware of Alaskapox virus and know what to look for and how to test for it, we are going to see more Alaskapox diagnoses in the months and years ahead.” Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and diagnostic readiness among healthcare providers.
Dr. Brownstein also highlighted the importance of monitoring wildlife diseases and their potential impact on human health. He stated, “This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring wildlife diseases and their potential to impact human health, especially as human activities increasingly encroach on natural habitats.”
While the recent death is a tragic reminder of the severity of Alaskapox, it is crucial to note that the risk to the general public remains low. With proper precautions and increased awareness, healthcare providers can play a vital role in identifying and managing future cases of this rare virus.
