An elderly man living in the remote Kenai Peninsula of Alaska has become the first known fatality from the recently discovered Alaskapox virus, according to state health officials. The man, who had been undergoing cancer treatment, was hospitalized in November and sadly passed away in late January. Health officials believe his suppressed immune system due to cancer drugs may have contributed to the severity of his illness. While the man's age was not disclosed, he was described as elderly.
Alaskapox, also known as AKPV, is a virus that is related to smallpox, cowpox, and mpox. Its symptoms can include a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint or muscle pain. Since the first case was reported in 2015, only six other cases of the virus have been documented in Alaska, all in the Fairbanks area which is over 300 miles away from the Kenai Peninsula. However, all these cases were mild and resulted in recovery without hospitalization.
The man who tragically lost his life lived alone in a forested area and had no recent travel history or close contacts with individuals who had traveled or were ill. It is still uncertain how AKPV is transmitted, but researchers suspect it may be zoonotic, meaning it can jump from animals to humans. Testing has revealed evidence of current or previous infection in various species of small mammals in the Fairbanks area, including red-backed voles, as well as in at least one domestic pet. The man had cared for a stray cat at his home, which tested negative for the virus but was known to regularly hunt small mammals and scratch the patient. Notably, a scratch near the armpit area where the first symptom, a red lesion, was observed raised the possibility that the virus may have been transmitted through the cat's claws.
While there have been no known cases of humans passing on the virus, health officials are urging individuals with skin lesions possibly caused by Alaskapox to cover the affected area with a bandage. Additionally, they recommend thorough handwashing, avoiding sharing clothing that may have touched the lesions, and laundering clothing and sheets separately from other household items. Moreover, health authorities are emphasizing the importance of following federal health precautions when around wildlife to minimize the risk of potential Alaskapox infections.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals to wash their hands with soap and water after coming into contact with wild animals or their feces. Hunters are also encouraged to wear gloves when handling dead animals, even if freshly killed, as per the CDC's guidelines. These precautionary measures aim to reduce the potential transmission of Alaskapox and protect public health.
The case of this elderly man highlights the seriousness of Alaskapox and the need for vigilance in understanding and preventing its spread. Health officials are continuously conducting research to identify the source of the virus and develop effective strategies for containment and prevention. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for individuals in Alaska to remain informed and follow appropriate measures to safeguard their health and well-being.
