Alaskapox, a recently discovered species of the double-stranded-DNA virus, has claimed its first known victim in Alaska. The immunocompromised man from Kenai Peninsula was undergoing treatment in Anchorage when he succumbed to the virus in late January. Health officials have identified Alaskapox as part of the same genus as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox, and it primarily affects small mammals like voles and shrews.
The case is significant because Alaskapox had previously only caused mild infections, making this the first fatal case reported. Furthermore, it is the first instance of the virus being reported outside of the Fairbanks area. The man’s compromised immune system likely contributed to the severity of his illness. Until now, infections had only resulted in localized rashes and swollen lymph nodes, with no need for treatment among individuals with healthy immune systems.
This latest case has raised concerns about the prevalence of Alaskapox in rodents and other small animals in Alaska. State health officials are urging medical providers to familiarize themselves with the symptoms to ensure prompt identification. The attention garnered by this fatal case may lead to an increase in reported Alaskapox cases as more people recognize the symptoms and seek testing.
The exact cause of the man’s infection remains unclear. He lived in a remote location and had not traveled anywhere, leading officials to speculate that he may have contracted the virus from a stray cat that hunted small mammals and scratched him near the area where his symptoms first appeared. Although the cat tested negative for the virus, it could have carried it on its claws.
The man initially noticed a tender red bump in his armpit in September and sought medical care multiple times over six weeks. Antibiotics were prescribed, but his symptoms worsened by mid-November, including fatigue and pain. He was eventually hospitalized on the Kenai Peninsula before being transferred to Anchorage. Tests conducted in December initially indicated cowpox, but further testing by the Centers for Disease Control confirmed Alaskapox.
Treatment with intravenous medications showed some improvement, but the man ultimately succumbed to kidney failure and other systemic declines in late January. Health officials recommend that individuals with lesions cover them with a bandage and report any possible symptoms of Alaskapox to a medical provider. Practicing good hygiene when hunting, trapping, or around pets that may come into contact with small mammals like voles or shrews is also advised.
The bulletin released by the Alaska Section of Epidemiology includes nine recommendations to address the Alaskapox virus. These range from promoting safe practices around wildlife to clinics taking measures to protect immunocompromised patients and staff when dealing with the virus. One resident from the Fairbanks area reported contracting Alaskapox after their dog rolled in dead animals, although it remains uncertain if the dog was the source of the infection.
Alaskapox has proven to be a stealthy virus, with several individuals initially mistaking their symptoms for spider bites. This highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance among both medical professionals and the general public. By staying informed and following recommended precautions, Alaskans can help mitigate the spread of this emerging virus.
