ALBAWABA A tragic incident on the Kenai Peninsula has brought attention to an unusual virus known as Alaskapox (AKPV), as reported by the state health department. In late January, a man from this region, who was immunocompromised, succumbed to the virus, marking the first recorded fatality from AKPV.
According to the Anchorage Daily News, the victim, described as a senior man with a weakened immune system, passed away while undergoing treatment. The Alaska Department of Public Health confirmed that he is among a small group of seven individuals known to have contracted AKPV, as announced on Friday.
Julia Rogers, a state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of awareness rather than panic, urging clinicians to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of the virus.
The deceased man, residing alone in a wooded area and with no recent travel history, was possibly exposed to AKPV through a cat he lived with. Although the cat tested negative for the virus, officials speculate that it could have transmitted the virus through scratches.
While there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of AKPV, health authorities advised precautionary measures such as covering skin lesions with bandages.
The Alaska Department of Health warned that household pets like cats and dogs could potentially contribute to the spread of the virus.
AKPV, a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the same genus as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox, was first discovered in Alaska in 2015 and is commonly found in small mammals such as voles and shrews.
What is Alaskapox virus ?
Alaskapox is a viral disease caused by the orthopoxvirus, which primarily infects mammals, including humans, and is characterized by skin lesions.
This relatively rare virus was first identified in 2015 in Fairbanks, Alaska, and since its discovery, a total of seven cases of the disease have been reported, including a recent fatality.
As of now, there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of the Alaskapox virus.
However, due to the potential for transmission through direct contact with skin lesions, the Alaska Department of Health advises individuals with suspected Alaskapox lesions to keep the affected area covered with a bandage.
The origins of the Alaskapox virus can be traced back to two specific species found in the Fairbanks North Star Borough: red-backed voles and shrews.
These small mammals serve as reservoir hosts for the virus, facilitating its transmission to humans.
Despite its limited prevalence, the Alaskapox virus poses a potential public health concern, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems. Ongoing research into the biology, transmission dynamics, and clinical manifestations of this virus is essential for developing effective prevention and control measures.
