An Alaska man recently succumbed to complications from the ‘Alaskapox’ virus, marking the first reported death related to this newly discovered virus. The Alaskapox virus, which was only identified in 2015, is believed to spread from small mammals to humans, although scientists are still uncertain about the exact mode of transmission. This recent fatality has raised concerns as the virus appears to be spreading across the state of Alaska.
According to a bulletin released by the Alaska Section of Epidemiology, the first-ever case of Alaskapox was identified in a female patient in 2015. Since then, a total of seven cases have been reported to epidemiologists. The bulletin sheds light on the history of the virus and highlights the severity of its effects. In September 2023, an elderly man from the Kenai Peninsula sought medical attention for a tender area under his right shoulder. Despite receiving treatment for six weeks and taking antibiotics, his condition worsened, and the infection did not respond to medication. Eventually, he was admitted to a hospital in Anchorage as the infection began to affect his mobility. Multiple tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the man had contracted AKPV. Unfortunately, he was unable to recover fully and passed away in January.
The bulletin emphasizes that this case is not only the first instance of severe Alaskapox infection resulting in hospitalization and death but also the first case outside of the interior region near Fairbanks, where all previous cases were reported. This suggests that AKPV is more geographically widespread among Alaska’s small mammals than previously known, necessitating increased awareness among clinicians throughout the state.
Experts suspect that the man contracted the virus through a stray cat he had been caring for, although they cannot confirm this with certainty. AKPV is believed to reside in small mammals, particularly red-backed voles and shrews. However, the exact mechanism of transmission from mammals to humans remains unknown. While AKPV belongs to the same Orthopoxvirus genus as smallpox, there is currently no evidence to suggest human-to-human transmission. Nevertheless, other viruses within the same family can spread through direct contact with skin lesions.
Prior to the case on the Kenai Peninsula, all previous instances of AKPV were reported in individuals residing near Fairbanks. These cases primarily manifested as skin lesions, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and joint or muscle pain. None of the patients required hospitalization, and their lesions healed within a few weeks. In the most recent case, it is speculated that the man may have been scratched by a stray cat that frequently hunted small mammals, thereby initiating the skin irritation. However, tests conducted on serum and mucosal swabs collected from the cat yielded negative results for antibodies and orthopoxviral presence. The state acknowledges that the route of exposure in this case remains unclear but suggests that scratches from the cat could represent a possible source of inoculation through fomite transmission. This hypothesis gains support from the fact that the man lived alone in a forested area, had not recently traveled, had no contact with individuals who had recently traveled, and did not interact with anyone displaying lesions.
While still considered rare, this latest AKPV case deepens the mystery surrounding this relatively young virus. The scientific community continues to investigate its origins, transmission methods, and potential implications for public health. As more cases emerge, it is crucial for healthcare professionals across Alaska to remain vigilant and informed about this evolving threat.
In conclusion, the death of an elderly Alaskan man due to complications from the Alaskapox virus has sparked concerns about the spread and severity of this newly discovered pathogen. With limited knowledge about its transmission and potential impact on human health, scientists are working diligently to unravel the mysteries surrounding AKPV. As the virus appears to be more geographically widespread than initially believed, healthcare providers must be prepared to identify and treat cases promptly. Continued research and surveillance are essential to safeguarding the well-being of Alaskans and preventing further fatalities caused by this enigmatic virus.
