
Health authorities in Alaska have been aware for nine years of a virus that causes a rare, mild illness. However, a recent fatal case has brought renewed attention to the virus, now referred to as Alaskapox.
Here’s some background on the virus:
What is Alaskapox?
Alaskapox is a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which can infect both animals and humans. These viruses typically cause skin lesions or pox, with varying levels of severity.
Smallpox is the most well-known member of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes camelpox, cowpox, horsepox, and mpox (formerly known as monkeypox).
Alaskapox was first identified in 2015 in a woman living near Fairbanks, Alaska. It has primarily been found in small mammals like red-backed voles and shrews.
However, domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, can also carry the virus, according to health officials.
What happened in the latest case?
Alaska health officials report that seven people have been infected with Alaskapox since the virus was first identified. However, the most recent case marks the first known fatality linked to the virus.
The man, who lived on the Kenai Peninsula, was undergoing cancer treatment and had a weakened immune system due to medication.
In September, he noticed a red sore under his right armpit and sought medical attention over the following two months due to fatigue and burning pain. Public health officials said he was hospitalized in November and passed away the following month.
Living in a remote forested area with no travel history, the man had been scratched multiple times by a cat that hunted small animals. One of the scratches was located near his armpit, according to officials.