Alaskapox: A Rare Orthopoxvirus Infection Emerges in Alaska
In a remote corner of the United States, a rare and concerning virus has emerged, causing alarm among health officials and residents alike. Known as Alaskapox, this orthopoxvirus is closely related to smallpox, cowpox, and monkeypox. While infections have been limited to the state of Alaska, the implications of this emerging virus are far-reaching.
Since the first recorded case in 2015, there have been only seven reported instances of Alaskapox in humans. However, the recent death of an elderly man has raised concerns about the severity and transmission of the virus. Prior to this tragic incident, all other cases were mild and did not require hospitalization. Patients infected with Alaskapox typically present with one or more skin lesions resembling spider or insect bites, along with swollen lymph nodes and joint or muscle pain. Fortunately, these symptoms tend to clear up within a few weeks.
The exact mode of transmission for Alaskapox remains a mystery, but researchers suspect it may be zoonotic, meaning it can transfer from animals to humans. Health authorities in Alaska have reported that cases of Alaskapox were prevalent in 2020 and 2021 among two species of small mammals – red-backed voles and shrews – in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, where most human cases were identified. It is believed that patients may have contracted the virus through contact with infected voles or shrews, possibly transmitted by their pets.
While direct human-to-human transmission has not been observed, experts caution that other orthopoxviruses can spread through direct contact with skin lesions. Therefore, individuals with skin lesions potentially caused by Alaskapox are advised to keep the affected area covered with a bandage to prevent further transmission.
The recent death from Alaskapox occurred in a man living on the remote Kenai Peninsula, located over 483 kilometers (300 miles) from the Fairbanks area where the other cases were reported. This suggests that the virus has spread beyond its initial location. The man, who was described as elderly but without an exact age given, was undergoing cancer treatment and taking immunosuppressant drugs. The Department of Health in Alaska stated that his compromised immune system likely contributed to the severity of his illness.
The timeline of the man’s illness provides insight into the progression of Alaskapox. In September 2023, he noticed a red papule in his right armpit. By November, he was hospitalized due to fatigue, pain, and reduced mobility in his right arm. Medical examinations revealed four additional lesions across his body, confirming the presence of Alaskapox. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, with delayed wound healing, malnutrition, acute renal failure, and respiratory failure. Tragically, he passed away in January 2024.
Investigations into the source of the man’s infection have led to a possible connection with a stray cat he had been caring for. The cat was known to hunt small mammals and frequently scratched him. It is plausible that the cat had come into contact with an infected vole or other small mammal, subsequently transmitting Alaskapox to the man.
If you suspect you may have contracted Alaskapox, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Avoid touching any lesions on your body and cover them with a bandage to prevent potential transmission. The Alaska Department of Health also recommends practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding sharing cloth that may have come into contact with lesions, and laundering clothing and linens separately from other household items.
While Alaskapox remains a rare infection with limited cases, its emergence in Alaska raises concerns about its potential spread and impact on public health. Vigilance, prompt medical attention, and adherence to preventive measures are essential in combating this emerging threat.
