What Is Alaskapox? Recent Death Brings Attention To Virus Seen In Small Animals

NEW YORK (— Alaska health officials have been aware of a unique virus producing rare, mild diseases in the Fairbanks region for nine years. However, a recent incidence in another section of the state, which resulted in the death of a man, has re-focused attention on the so-called Alaskapox virus.

Here is some background about the virus.

WHAT IS ALASKAPOX?

Alaskapox is part of a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect both animals and humans. These bugs, known as orthopoxviruses, produce skin sores, sometimes known as pox. Each has unique qualities, and some are deemed more dangerous than others.

Smallpox is likely the most well-known of the family members, but others include camelpox, cowpox, horsepox, and mpox, previously known as monkeypox.

Alaskapox was detected in 2015 in a lady living in Fairbanks, Alaska. It has primarily been found in tiny animals, such as red-backed voles and shrews. However, health officials warn that pets like dogs and cats may also transmit the infection.

In the last nine years, seven persons, all living in Alaska, have been infected.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALASKAPOX?

Alaskapox patients experience one or more skin lumps or bumps, joint or muscular discomfort, and swollen lymph nodes.

Almost all patients had minor ailments that were cured independently within a few weeks. However, people with compromised immune systems risk developing more serious illnesses.

HOW DOES ALASKAPOX SPREAD?

Officials believe that Alaskapox spreads through interaction with diseased animals.

There is no reported instance of it spreading from one person to another. However, other viruses in the same family can be transmitted when one person touches another’s lesions. Therefore, Alaska health officials advise anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LATEST CASE?

Alaska health officials are aware of seven persons infected with Alaskapox since the virus was discovered, but the most recent case is its first documented death.

The older man, who lived on the Kenai Peninsula, was being treated for cancer and had a reduced immune system due to the medications. In September, he discovered a red sore under his right armpit and visited doctors for the next two months due to exhaustion and burning. He was hospitalised in November and died last month, according to a statement issued last week by Alaska public health officials.

The man lived in a secluded, forested location and did not travel. According to officials, a stray cat that hunted small animals had frequently scratched him, and one of the scratches was close to the man’s armpit.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Pets?
According to health officials, Alaskapox is a rare illness with often mild symptoms.

However, wildlife can provide an infectious risk. According to health officials, the best way to keep pets and family members safe is to maintain a safe distance and wash your hands after being outside. Also, do not try to keep wildlife as pets.

SOURCE – (AP)