The initial known fatality from an uncommon virus called Alaskapox was reported by health officials in Alaska. In January, an elderly man succumbed to the disease, as indicated in a bulletin released on February 9 by Alaska’s Department of Health, which mentioned that the severity of the illness may have been exacerbated by the man’s weakened immune system due to cancer treatment.
Unveiling Alaskapox
Alaskapox made its debut in an individual in Fairbanks, Alaska, back in July 2015, with six cases recorded since then. This virus is classified as an orthopoxvirus that primarily infects mammals and can jump to humans, causing skin lesions. Noteworthy orthopoxviruses, like smallpox and monkeypox (mpox), fall under the same category. The mpox outbreak of 2022 and 2023 resulted in over 93,000 cases globally.
Alaskapox commonly affects small mammals such as shrews, red-backed voles, and rodents like red squirrels. An increase in reported human cases of the virus does not necessarily indicate a surge in its prevalence.
In discussing the spread of Alaskapox, Alaska’s Department of Health has not documented any instances of human-to-human transmission to date.
Spread Mechanisms
The specifics of how the virus transfers from animals to humans remain uncertain. However, potential exposure to small mammals, and possibly domestic pets that interact with such wildlife, might contribute to transmission. Certain orthopoxviruses can be transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions. Additionally, cats and dogs can serve as carriers of similar viruses. The elderly man who passed away in January mentioned caring for a stray cat, which he often got scratched by. Though the cat tested negative for the virus, it could have carried the virus on its claws from scratching rodents, although health officials have been unable to confirm this as the exact mode of transmission.
Manifesting as one or more skin lesions resembling spider or insect bites, along with muscle and joint pain, are common initial symptoms of Alaskapox.
Symptoms and Treatment
One or more skin lesions that appear rid like a spider or insect bite are usually the first symptom. Muscle and joint pain are often experienced. Treatment for Alaskapox may involve managing symptoms and providing supportive care.