The first death from Alaska pox was Types of orthopoxvirusesreported on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.
State officials released a bulletin on February 9 detailing: old man He contracted the virus in September 2023, apparently after being scratched by an infected stray cat.
The man, whose immune system had been suppressed by cancer treatment, first noticed tender, red bumps in his armpits. Over the next few weeks, he also felt fatigue and pain in his arm and shoulder.
‘Arctic zombie virus’ could be released by climate change due to thawing permafrost, some scientists claim
On November 17, the patient was admitted with cellulitis. bacterial skin infectionaccording to the Alaska Department of Public Health (ADPH).
The man was taken to an Anchorage hospital, where a series of tests determined the cause of the painful infection. Despite extensive treatment, the patient experienced malnutrition, acute kidney failure, respiratory failure and ultimately died in January 2024, the bulletin said.
In September 2023, an elderly man contracted the virus, apparently due to being scratched by an infected stray cat (not pictured). (St. Petersburg)
“This is the first case of severe Alaska pox infection. leading to hospitalization And death,” the bulletin said.
“The patient’s immunocompromised state may have contributed to the severity of the disease.”
What is Alaska pox?
Alaskapox is similar to other orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox and smallpox, but its symptoms are usually less severe.
This is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted between humans and animals.
Alaska pox is spread by small mammals in Alaska, primarily voles.
Measles outbreak: UK declares national health incident due to rising number of infections
Since the first case was confirmed in Fairbanks in 2015, there have been only six additional cases, including a Kenai Peninsula man who died from the infection.
Both cases affected people living in forested areas and caring for pets that had come into contact with small mammals.
According to ADPH, skin lesions are the main symptoms of Alaska pox, along with swollen lymph nodes and joint and muscle pain. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Aaron Glatt, medical director and chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in New York, said that although Alaskapox is a type of orthopox virus, it is “far from” a virus of concern. like smallpox.
“We’re from the same family, but that doesn’t mean it.” [warrants] “The general public has the same level of anxiety,” he said in a phone call with Fox News Digital.
“I think this is something we all need to be aware of, but it does not create a major public health disaster.”
Doctors say it looks more like monkeypox than smallpox.
“I think this is something that we all need to be aware of, but it’s not something that’s going to create a major public health disaster,” Glatt said.
Spread and symptoms
Although no one has been infected with the virus, spread from person to personADPH recommends that people with skin lesions that may be caused by Alaska pox should cover the affected area with a bandage and not share bedding or other linens.
In addition to skin lesions, infected patients may experience swollen lymph nodes and joint and muscle pain, according to ADPH.
Alaskapox is similar to other orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox and smallpox, but its symptoms are usually less severe. (St. Petersburg)
Most people infected with the virus experience only mild symptoms and recover on their own within a few weeks.
“It’s usually a very mild infection, but it can be more severe in people who have a weakened immune system,” Glatt says.
“In that case, a mild infection that doesn’t usually cause serious illness can become more serious.”
“It’s usually a very mild infection, but it can be more severe if your immune system is weakened.”
“This virus is widespread in small mammals in Alaska, and many more cases of human infection are likely occurring but not identified,” ADPH said.
“More animal experiments are being conducted to better understand the distribution of the virus in animal populations. All of Alaska. ”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
To Glatt’s knowledge, there are no targeted treatments specifically for Alaskapox.
“I’m sure other viral agents used for monkeypox could theoretically have some effect, but to my knowledge no one has tried them.” he said.
As for whether Alaska pox could spread to other states, Glatt said it’s unlikely at this point.
The patients who died from Alaska pox lived in the forested areas of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. (St. Petersburg)
“If it’s a vector, and that animal is primarily found in Alaska, you’ll see it there as well,” he told Fox News Digital.
“I’m not saying it couldn’t be transmitted to other regions, but it’s not that big of an issue at this point.” public health concern. “
ADPH says this is the first case of Alaska variola confirmed outside of Interior Alaska, which could mean the virus is more widespread in the state than previously thought. He pointed out that there is.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“SOE is working with the University of Alaska Museum and CDC to conduct AKPV testing of small mammals outside of inland areas,” the agency said.
In accordance with ADPH, anyone who suspects they may be infected with Alaska pox may contact the Alaska Epidemiology Division at 907-269-8000 to expedite testing and treatment.
Fox News Digital has reached out to ADPH for additional comment.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews/health.
