“First Fatal Case of Rare Alaskapox Virus Reported in Southcentral Alaska”

Tragedy Strikes: First Fatal Case of Rare Alaskapox Virus Reported in Southcentral Alaska

In a shocking turn of events, health officials in Alaska have confirmed the first fatal case of a rare and newly identified viral disease known as Alaskapox. The victim, an elderly man who resided in a remote area of southcentral Alaska, succumbed to the virus after developing a burning rash and being hospitalized. This tragic incident has raised concerns among experts about the potential spread of the virus beyond wildlife populations.

The man, who lived in the Kenai Peninsula, approximately 70 miles south of Anchorage, passed away last month. The peninsula’s population has been steadily increasing, with just under 59,000 residents recorded during the 2020 census. The rise in population, coupled with the warming temperatures in Alaska, has led to an increase in the vole population, which is believed to be the primary carrier of Alaskapox.

Alaskapox is closely related to monkeypox and is primarily transmitted from small mammals, including red-backed voles, to humans. Since its discovery in 2015, there have been at least seven confirmed cases of the virus reported to the state’s epidemiology section. Notably, none of the individuals who contracted the virus had recently traveled outside the United States, indicating that the virus is spreading within Alaska itself.

The first case of Alaskapox was reported in a person living near Fairbanks in 2015. Subsequent cases emerged in 2020, 2021, and 2022, with the sixth case confirmed last year. However, the recent death of the elderly man marks the first human infection outside of Fairbanks, suggesting that the virus has spread beyond its initial area.

Health officials revealed that the deceased patient had a compromised immune system due to cancer treatment. He lived alone in a forested area and had reported caring for a stray cat at his home. Additionally, he regularly hunted small mammals, which often resulted in scratches. One notable scratch occurred a month before the onset of his rash. The patient initially noticed a lesion in his armpit area in September and sought medical attention after six weeks of worsening symptoms. He was eventually transferred to an Anchorage hospital, where doctors identified the Alaskapox virus. Despite treatment, the man experienced renal and respiratory failure, malnutrition, and other complications before succumbing to the illness.

Further investigations revealed that red-backed voles and a domestic cat were carriers of the virus. Testing conducted on small mammals in the Fairbanks area confirmed evidence of Alaskapox infection in four different species, primarily red-backed voles. These small creatures, resembling hamsters at first glance, inhabit grassy areas and feed on grass. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has been monitoring their population closely.

The symptoms of Alaskapox initially present as a mild illness, including fever and a possible rash. Skin lesions resembling bug or spider bites, swollen lymph nodes, sore muscles, and joint pain are also common indicators of the disease. To prevent contracting Alaskapox, health experts advise avoiding contact with wild animals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water after coming into contact with wild animals or their feces. Hunters are also advised to wear gloves when handling dead animals.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by emerging infectious diseases. As Alaska’s climate continues to warm at an alarming rate, the spread of diseases like Alaskapox becomes a growing concern. Health officials and researchers will undoubtedly intensify their efforts to understand and combat this rare virus to prevent further loss of life.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.