The Kenai Peninsula in Alaska has reported its first fatality from Alaskapox, a type of orthopoxvirus. The Alaska Department of Public Health (ADPH) released a bulletin on February 9, stating that an elderly man contracted the virus in September 2023, most likely from an infected stray cat that scratched him. The man, who had a suppressed immune system due to cancer treatments, initially noticed a tender red bump in his underarm. Over the next few weeks, he experienced fatigue and pain in his arm and shoulder. On November 17, the patient was hospitalized with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, and was later transferred to a hospital in Anchorage for further tests. Despite extensive treatment, the patient passed away in January 2024 due to malnutrition, acute renal failure, and respiratory failure.
Alaskapox is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted between people and animals. It is similar to other orthopox viruses like monkeypox and smallpox, but its symptoms are typically less severe. The virus is primarily spread by small mammals in Alaska, particularly voles. Since the first documented case in Fairbanks in 2015, there have been only six additional cases, including the recent fatality on the Kenai Peninsula. All cases have affected individuals living in wooded areas who had contact with pets that had been in contact with small mammals.
Symptoms of Alaskapox include skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and joint or muscle pain. Most patients with the virus experience mild symptoms that resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness. Dr. Aaron Glatt, chair of the department of medicine and chief of infectious diseases at Mt. Sinai South Nassau Hospital in New York, reassures the public that while Alaskapox is a concern, it does not pose a major public health disaster like smallpox. He compares it to monkeypox and emphasizes the importance of awareness without causing panic.
The ADPH advises individuals with skin lesions potentially caused by Alaskapox to keep the affected areas covered with a bandage and avoid sharing bedding or other linens. While there have been no cases of person-to-person transmission, the ADPH recommends taking precautions to prevent further spread. The agency also states that the virus is likely more widespread in Alaska’s small mammal population than previously thought, and further animal testing is being conducted to understand its distribution.
As of now, there are no targeted medications specifically for Alaskapox. However, Dr. Glatt suggests that some viral agents used for monkeypox could potentially be beneficial. He also believes that the likelihood of Alaskapox spreading to other states is low, considering its animal vector is primarily found in Alaska.
The ADPH is working with the University of Alaska Museum and the CDC to test small mammals for Alaskapox outside the Interior region of Alaska. They encourage individuals who suspect they may be infected to contact the Alaska Section of Epidemiology for testing and treatment.
While this fatality is concerning, it is important to approach the situation with caution and not panic. The ADPH and healthcare professionals are actively monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to prevent further spread.
