First Death from Alaskapox Virus Confirmed in Alaska: What You Need to Know
In a tragic turn of events, health officials in Alaska have confirmed the first death linked to the newly discovered Alaskapox virus. The deceased was an elderly man from the Kenai peninsula, located south of Anchorage. The man, who was immunocompromised, passed away in late January after battling the disease. This unfortunate incident sheds light on the severity of this emerging virus and raises concerns about its potential impact on public health.
According to the Alaska Department of Public Health, there have been a total of seven reported cases of Alaskapox so far. The deceased individual had not traveled recently and lived alone in the woods, which made it difficult to determine how he contracted the virus. Health officials speculate that he may have been infected by a house cat that regularly killed small mammals and scratched him when the symptoms first appeared. Although tests conducted on the cat showed no signs of infection, it is possible that the virus spread through its claws.
The man initially noticed a red lump under his right armpit in September and sought medical attention promptly. He was administered antibiotics, but his condition continued to deteriorate over the following weeks, with symptoms including pain and weariness. In December, he underwent a series of tests while hospitalized, which revealed that he had cowpox. Further testing conducted by the Centers for Disease Control confirmed that the illness was, in fact, Alaskapox.
So, what exactly is the Alaskapox virus? It is an orthopox virus that was first identified in a woman residing in the Fairbanks area back in 2015, according to the Alaska Division of Public Health. Since then, there have been six additional cases reported as of December 2023. Orthopoxviruses are a class of viruses that cause skin lesions when they infect mammals. Alaskapox belongs to the same genus as cowpox, monkeypox, and smallpox. It is particularly prevalent in small animals such as shrews and voles.
It is important to note that there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of the Alaskapox virus so far. However, given that certain orthopoxviruses can be transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions, health officials recommend that individuals with skin lesions possibly caused by Alaskapox keep the affected area covered with a bandage. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Alaskapox include enlarged lymph nodes and joint or muscle discomfort. Most individuals who contract the virus report having one or more skin lesions. Interestingly, many initially mistake these lesions for spider or insect bites. In most cases, these lesions resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, it is worth noting that individuals with compromised immune systems may be at a higher risk of experiencing more severe illness.
While there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Alaskapox, it is crucial to exercise caution. Direct contact with lesions, especially when there is broken skin contact with lesion fluids, can potentially lead to transmission. Therefore, individuals with skin lesions suspected to be caused by Alaskapox are advised to cover the affected area with a bandage and avoid sharing bedding or other linens that may have come into contact with the lesion.
The confirmation of the first death from Alaskapox in Alaska serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in dealing with emerging viruses. As health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others. By following the recommended guidelines and seeking medical attention promptly, we can collectively work towards minimizing the impact of this concerning virus on public health.
