Alaskapox reportedly claimed its first casualty as an elderly man in Kanai Peninsula Borough passed away.
What is the Alaskapox Virus?
The Alaskapox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus and was first identified in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska in 2015. It is a rare virus that primarily infects small mammals such as red-backed voles and shrews, and causes skin lessions. The virus is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions.
As of the most recent reports, there have been a total of seven documented cases of Alaskapox in humans, with one resulting in a fatality.
The virus is not known to spread from person to person, and there is no record of human-to-human transmission to date. This emerging viral disease has raised concerns due to its potential impact on both animal and human populations in affected areas. Ongoing research and surveillance are essential to better understand the virus and prevent further infections.
Symptoms of Infection
The signs and symptoms of the Alaskapox virus can manifest in various ways, including:
Skin Lesions: Patients may develop one or more skin lesions, which can present as bumps or pustules. These lesions are a key characteristic of the infection.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: The virus can cause swelling of the lymph nodes, which are an important part of the body’s immune system. This can be a noticeable symptom of Alaskapox infection.
Joint or Muscle Pain: Infected individuals may experience discomfort in the joints or muscles, which can contribute to the overall impact of the illness.
Fever: A common symptom of many viral infections, fever can be present in individuals affected by Alaskapox.
Fatigue: Patients may experience significant tiredness or lack of energy, which can be a challenging aspect of the illness.
Rashes on the Skin: The virus can lead to the development of rashes on the skin, adding to the range of symptoms experienced by those infected.
Raised Lymph Nodes: This symptom is a notable feature of the infection and can contribute to the overall impact on the body.
Localized Rash or Raised Spots: The presentation of the rash or raised spots is typically confined to specific areas rather than spreading widely across the body.
Deaths
Although there have been seven total recorded incidents of human infection, only one fatality is confirmed.
The fatality occurred in an elderly man who lived alone in a forested area of the Kenai Peninsula and was immuno-compromised due to undergoing cancer treatment, which may have contributed to the severity of his illness.
The man was known to interact with a stray cat, which he mentioned had scratched him regularly and hunted small mammals. The cat was however tested for Alaskapox virus and turned out negative.
The man’s symptoms began with a large lesion in his armpit area, and he later developed more pox-like lesions. Subsequently, he became severely ill, and a swab sent to the CDC identified the unique strain of Alaskapox virus .While most patients have experienced mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks, there has been one reported case of a patient with an immunocompromising condition who developed severe disease and died after prolonged illness. However, it is important to note that Alaskapox is a newly identified viral disease, and there is limited information available about its mortality rate and long-term effects.
Precautions
Avoid Direct Contact with Infected Animals: Given that small mammals, particularly northern red-backed voles, have been found to be infected with Alaskapox, it is essential to minimize direct contact with these animals. This includes refraining from handling or interacting with wild mammals, especially those that appear sick or behave unusually.
Use Protective Gear: When handling small mammals, such as during trapping or hunting activities, individuals should wear gloves to prevent direct skin contact. After handling any potentially infected animals, thorough handwashing with soap and water is recommended.
Seek Medical Attention for Lesions: Individuals who develop skin lesions or suspect they may have been exposed to Alaskapox should promptly seek medical attention. Healthcare providers should be informed about any potential exposure to the virus, and individuals should follow their guidance for evaluation and testing.
Raise Awareness among Healthcare Providers: It is important to ensure that healthcare providers are familiar with the symptoms and characteristics of Alaskapox. This includes recognizing the unique features of pox lesions and being aware of the potential for Alaskapox infection, particularly in regions where the virus has been identified.
Public Health Reporting: Suspected or confirmed cases of Alaskapox should be reported to the relevant public health authorities. This facilitates ongoing surveillance, monitoring, and response efforts to track the spread of the virus and implement appropriate public health measures.
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