Alaskapox is a rare virus that causes mild illness and has been found for nine years in Alaska but a recent death of a man brought attention to it.
For the last nine years, Alaska has known about an unusual virus that has been causing a rare and relatively mild illness in the Fairbanks area but a recent case in another corner of the state which resulted in a man’s death has brought it to light and attention of the world. This virus is known as the Alaskapox virus.
What is the Alaskapox Virus?
Alaskapox virus belongs to a family of viruses that are brick-shaped and infect animals as well as humans. These bugs also known as orthopoxviruses tend to cause a pox or lesions on the skin. Each of them has their characteristics but some bugs are considered more dangerous than other bugs.
The most famous of the lot is smallpox but its other family members include camelpox, cowpox, horsepox, and mpox which is also formerly known as monkeypox. Alaskapox was discovered in the year 2015 near Fairbanks Alaska by a woman. Mainly found in small mammals which include red-backed voles and shrews it can also be carried by pets like dogs, cats, and the like according to health officials. In the last nine years, there have been reports of seven people being infected with it.
What symptoms does the Alaskapox Virus have?
People who have the Alaskapox Virus have been said to develop one or more bumps or pustules on their skin along with some joint or muscle pain. The lymph nodes also swell in this virus. Nearly all of the patients showed symptoms of mild illnesses which resolved by itself in over a few weeks but people who had weak immune systems are said to be in danger of more severe illness.
How Alaskapox Virus Spreads?
It is believed by officials that the Alaskapox virus spreads through contact with already infected animals since there has been no documentation of it being spread from contact with another infected human. But other viruses in the family are said to spread when a person comes in contact with another’s lesions. Alaska health officials are advising everyone with Alaskapox virus lesions to cover their lesions with a bandage.
What is the latest case?
Alaska health officials are aware that seven people have been infected with this virus since its discovery nine years ago but the most recent case represents the first time someone has died from it. An elderly man living in Kenai Peninsula was being treated for cancer and had a bad immune system due to a history of drug abuse. In September he noticed a red sore right under his armpit and went to the doctor for the next two months because of burning pain and fatigue which led him to be hospitalized in November. This man had been repeatedly scratched by a wild cat. He died last month according to the Alaska public health officials.
