An elderly man in Alaska has tragically died from Alaskapox, a newly discovered virus that has claimed its first known fatality. State health officials are investigating the cause of his infection, and there is a possibility that it could be linked to a stray cat that lived with him. The man, who resided in the remote Kenai Peninsula, was hospitalized in November and passed away in late January. He was undergoing cancer treatment and had a suppressed immune system, which may have contributed to the severity of his illness.
Alaskapox, also known as AKPV, is closely related to smallpox, cowpox, and mpox. Health officials have identified symptoms such as a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint or muscle pain. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe illness. Since the first case in 2015, only six other instances of the virus have been reported to Alaska health officials. These cases were all mild, and the patients recovered without requiring hospitalization. However, this recent fatality has raised concerns about the potential dangers of Alaskapox.
The man who tragically passed away lived alone in a forested area and had no recent travel history or close contact with individuals who had traveled or displayed similar symptoms. It remains unclear how AKPV is transmitted, but researchers suspect it may be zoonotic, meaning it can jump from animals to humans. Tests conducted in the Fairbanks area, more than 300 miles from the Kenai Peninsula, found evidence of current or previous infection in various small mammal species, including red-backed voles. Additionally, at least one domestic pet tested positive for the virus. The man had cared for a stray cat at his home, which regularly hunted small mammals and frequently scratched him.
This raises the possibility that the cat had the virus on its claws when it scratched the man. A notable scratch near the armpit area, where the first symptom—a red lesion—appeared, further supports this theory. Health officials have emphasized that the route of exposure in this case remains unclear, but scratches from the stray cat are a potential source.
While there have been no documented cases of humans passing on the virus, health officials urge caution for individuals with skin lesions potentially caused by Alaskapox. They advise keeping the affected area covered with a bandage and avoiding sharing bedding or other linens that have come into contact with the lesion. The Alaska Health Department also recommends following federal health precautions when around wildlife to prevent potential Alaskapox infections. These precautions include washing hands with soap and water after contacting wild animals or their feces, as well as wearing gloves when handling dead animals, even if they are freshly killed.
This news comes in the wake of health officials in Oregon confirming a rare case of human plague in a resident likely infected by their pet cat. These incidents highlight the importance of understanding and addressing potential health risks associated with animals and the need for proper precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The death of this elderly man in Alaska serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by emerging viruses and the importance of taking necessary precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. As research continues to uncover more about Alaskapox, it is crucial for health officials to educate the public about the risks and preventive measures. By staying informed and following recommended guidelines, we can help mitigate the spread of such diseases and safeguard our communities.
