What is Alaska pox, a viral disease claiming lives in the U.S.

Alaska pox lesions appear approximately 10 days after the onset of symptoms.

Alaska health officials have confirmed the first death linked to the recently discovered virus Alaska pox. An immunocompromised elderly man from the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage died from the disease in late January.According to the news released Alaska Department of Public Healthwho was receiving treatment at the time, is one of only seven reported cases of Alaska pox.

The man said he had not traveled recently and was living alone in the woods. Officials speculated that he may have contracted Alaska pox from a domestic cat that frequently hunted small mammals and scratched him when the disease first appeared. Although the cat’s test results showed no infection, according to officials, the virus may have been transmitted through the paws. New York Post.

In September, the man discovered a red lump under his right armpit and was treated with antibiotics. However, six weeks later, his symptoms worsened, including pain and fatigue. In December, he underwent “a series of tests” at the hospital, which revealed he had cowpox. The Centers for Disease Control conducted more testing and discovered the disease was Alaska pox.

Here’s everything you need to know about Alaska Pox:

What is Alaskapox virus?

Alaska pox is an orthopoxvirus that was first discovered in 2015 in a woman who lived in the Fairbanks area, according to the Alaska Department of Public Health. As of December 2023, six human diseases have been reported. A class of viruses known as orthopoxviruses includes arasapoxvirus. When these viruses infect mammals, they cause skin lesions.

Alaskapox belongs to the same genus as cowpox, monkeypox, and smallpox. It is especially common in small animals, such as shrews and voles.

According to the Alaska State website, “To date, human-to-human transmission of Alaskapox virus has not been documented. However, because some orthopoxviruses can be transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions, we recommend that patients with possible symptoms of People with skin lesions infected by Alaska pox should cover the affected area with a bandage.”

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes and joint or muscle discomfort. People with Alaska pox report one or more skin lesions. Many people infected with Alaska pox initially think a spider or other insect bit them. Nearly every patient suffers from some ailment that goes away on its own after a few weeks. Immunocompromised people may be at increased risk of more severe disease.

Can Alaska pox be spread to other people?

Although there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted from person to person, some orthopoxviruses can be spread by direct contact with lesions, especially when broken skin comes into contact with lesion fluid. People with skin lesions that may be caused by Alaska pox are advised to cover the affected area with a bandage and to avoid sharing bedding or other linens that have been in contact with the lesions.