Alaskapox is a relatively new virus that was first identified in 2015 in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska. It belongs to the family of orthopoxviruses, which can infect both animals and humans. Orthopoxviruses are known to cause lesions or pox on the skin, and each virus has its own characteristics, with some being more dangerous than others. Smallpox is perhaps the most famous of the lot, but other family members include camelpox, cowpox, horsepox, and monkeypox.
Since its discovery, Alaskapox has been found mainly in small mammals, including red-backed voles and shrews. However, pets such as dogs and cats may also carry the virus, according to health officials. Seven people, all in Alaska, have been infected with the virus in the last nine years. While nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks, people with weakened immune systems can be in danger of more severe illness.
Recently, an elderly man became the first reported person to die of the virus. This has brought new attention to the virus and its potential impact. In this article, we will explore the impact of Alaskapox, what we know about the virus, and what’s next in terms of research and preventive measures.
What We Know About Alaskapox
Symptoms
People with Alaskapox have developed one or more bumps or pustules on the skin, as well as joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes. Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. However, people with weakened immune systems can be in danger of more severe illness.
Transmission
Officials believe Alaskapox spreads through contact with infected animals. There has been no documented case of it spreading from one person to another. But other viruses in the same family can spread when one person comes in contact with another person’s lesions, so Alaska health officials are advising anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage.
Treatment
The Alaska Division of Public Health doesn’t have information publicly available on the treatment process. Antiviral drugs are typically prescribed for other orthopoxviruses such as smallpox and mpox. The older man infected with the virus received antiviral medication and antibodies, leading to a reduction in his rash. Despite this initial improvement, he later developed malnutrition and ultimately succumbed to kidney and respiratory failure.
Geographical Spread
The first recorded case of the virus occurred near Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2015. Since then, five additional cases occurred in the same area, and a seventh case appeared about 300 miles south in the Kenai Peninsula. The virus has primarily affected small mammals, with confirmed cases in red-backed voles and shrews in the Fairbanks area. However, evidence suggests the virus may be present in other small animals throughout the state. Therefore, there may have been additional infections in humans that were never identified, the Alaska Division of Public Health suggests.
The Impact of Alaskapox
Public Health Concerns
The recent death of an elderly man infected with Alaskapox has raised concerns about the potential severity of the virus, especially in immunocompromised individuals. While nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks, people with weakened immune systems can be in danger of more severe illness. The identification of an Alaskapox case outside of Alaska’s Interior region suggests that the virus may be more geographically widespread among small mammals in Alaska than previously understood.
Research
There is a need for updated research on Alaskapox, including preventive measures and potential future implications. While there is information available about the virus, its symptoms, and transmission, there is a lack of comprehensive coverage on the current state of research. The recent death of an individual infected with the virus has brought new attention to the need for updated research and preventive measures.
Preventive Measures
There is currently no vaccine available for Alaskapox. However, preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. Health officials advise anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, people should avoid contact with infected animals and pets, especially if they have weakened immune systems.
What’s Next
Testing
In response to the first fatality and the broader implications for public health, the State of Alaska, in collaboration with the University of Alaska Museum and the CDC, is expanding testing for Alaskapox in small mammals across different regions of Alaska[4]. This will help to identify the extent of the virus’s geographical spread and potential future implications.
Research
There is a need for updated research on Alaskapox, including preventive measures and potential future implications. The recent death of an individual infected with the virus has brought new attention to the need for updated research and preventive measures. Further research is needed to understand the virus’s transmission, potential severity, and long-term implications.
Public Awareness
Public awareness is crucial in preventing the spread of Alaskapox. Health officials advise anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage to prevent the spread of the virus[1]. Additionally, people should avoid contact with infected animals and pets, especially if they have weakened immune systems[5]. Public awareness campaigns can help to educate people about the virus and preventive measures.
Conclusion
Alaskapox is a relatively new virus that was first identified in 2015. While nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks, people with weakened immune systems can be in danger of more severe illness. The recent death of an elderly man infected with Alaskapox has raised concerns about the potential severity of the virus, especially in immunocompromised individuals. There is a need for updated research on Alaskapox, including preventive measures and potential future implications. Public awareness campaigns can help to educate people about the virus and preventive measures
[1] https://www.wsav.com/news/national-news/ap-what-is-alaskapox-recent-death-brings-attention-to-virus-seen-in-small-animals/
[2] https://www.wjbf.com/news/u-s-world-news/what-is-alaskapox-elderly-man-is-first-reported-person-to-die-of-the-virus/
[3] https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/Alaskapox.aspx
[4] https://www.contagionlive.com/view/alaskapox-virus-claims-its-first-fatality
[5] https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2024/what-is-alaskapox.html
