In late January, an elderly man living in the remote Kenai Peninsula of Alaska unfortunately succumbed to a rare and recently discovered virus known as Alaskapox. This tragic event marks the first reported death of an individual who contracted the virus, shedding light on the severity of this emerging health issue.
Alaskapox, also referred to as AKPV, is closely related to smallpox and belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. Since its initial discovery in 2015 in a patient near Fairbanks, only seven cases of Alaskapox have been reported. This limited number serves as a testament to the rarity of this infection.
The name of the deceased man has not been disclosed, but according to the Alaska Department of Health and Division of Public Health, he was not residing in Fairbanks like the previous cases. Additionally, his immune system was compromised due to ongoing cancer treatment. It was observed that in September 2023, he discovered a tender and red papule in his right axilla (armpit), which eventually led to his hospitalization in November. The presumed infectious cellulitis affecting his arm's range of motion prompted further investigation.
After a series of tests, it was revealed that the man experienced delayed wound healing, malnutrition, acute renal failure, and respiratory failure. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the virus in January. It's worth noting that the man lived alone and had no recent travel history or close contact with individuals who displayed similar lesions or illness. He did, however, care for a stray cat that had scratched him. Health officials believe that the scratches from the cat could potentially be the source of inoculation through fomite transmission (indirect contact with contaminated objects). Testing small mammals outside of the Interior region is underway to further explore the source of exposure.
But what exactly is Alaskapox? As mentioned earlier, Alaskapox belongs to the orthopox family of viruses, making it closely related to smallpox, cowpox, and mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). Evidence suggests that Alaskapox is zoonotic and can be transmitted from small rodents to humans. Red-backed voles and shrews have been identified as the primary carriers of the virus through sampling efforts. Furthermore, domestic pets may also play a role in spreading Alaskapox.
Experts are still trying to fully understand the transmission pathways of this virus. Besides rodents, patients have reported being bitten by spiders, cats, or dogs. Stathis Giotis, a lecturer at the University of Essex and research fellow at the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, encourages people not to be alarmed but to become more informed about their interactions with wildlife. Taking proper hygiene measures such as washing hands with soap or alcohol-based products and recognizing the signs of infection can offer protection against the virus.
Symptoms of Alaskapox include skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint pain. Individuals who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of developing severe illness. However, it is important to note that human-to-human transmission of Alaskapox has not been documented thus far. To minimize the risk of spreading the virus, the Alaska Department of Health recommends that individuals with skin lesions possibly caused by Alaskapox keep the affected area covered with a bandage. It is also advised to avoid touching the lesions, keep them dry and covered, practice good hand hygiene, refrain from sharing clothing that has touched the lesions, and launder clothing and linens separately.
Additionally, Alaskans are urged to follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay safe when in contact with wildlife. By taking these precautions, the potential for AKPV infections can be significantly reduced.
The unfortunate death of the elderly man in Alaska emphasizes the need for awareness and further research into Alaskapox. With continued efforts to understand the transmission patterns and potential treatment options, we can hope for better control and prevention of this rare viral infection.
