What is Alaska Pox?Explaining the mystery behind the unusual virus spread in the United States

For nearly a decade, health officials in the U.S. state of Alaska have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illness in the Fairbanks area.

However, a recent case in another part of the state that killed a man has drawn attention to the virus named after the largest U.S. state. Let’s take a closer look at the mysterious virus:

What is Alaska Pox?

It belongs to the brick virus family and can infect animals and humans. These bacteria, called orthopoxviruses, often cause lesions or pimples on the skin. Each has its characteristics, and some are considered more dangerous than others.

Smallpox is probably the best-known of these, but other family members include camelpox, cowpox, horsepox, and mpox (formerly monkeypox). In 2015, Alaskan pox was discovered in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska. It is found primarily in small mammals, including red-backed voles and shrews. But health officials say pets such as dogs and cats can also carry the virus. Seven people have contracted the virus in Alaska over the past nine years.

What are its symptoms and how is it spread?

People with Alaska pox develop one or more bumps or pustules on the skin, as well as joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes. Nearly all patients have mild illness that resolves on its own within a few weeks. But people with weakened immune systems may be at risk for more severe disease.

Officials believe Alaska pox is spread through contact with infected animals. There have been no documented cases of the virus spreading from one person to another. However, other viruses in the same family can be spread when one person comes into contact with another person’s lesions, so Alaska health officials recommend that anyone with an Alaska pox lesion cover it with a bandage.

latest cases

Alaska health officials are aware of seven people infected with Alaska pox since the virus was discovered, but the latest case is the first known death from the virus. The Kenai Peninsula man was being treated for cancer and his immune system was suppressed by medication.

In September, he discovered a red sore under his right armpit and spent the next two months visiting a doctor complaining of fatigue and burning pain. He was hospitalized in November and died last month, according to an announcement last week from Alaska public health officials. The man lived in a remote forested area and had not traveled. Officials said he had been scratched multiple times by a stray cat that hunted small animals, including one scratch on the man’s armpit.

protect yourself

Health officials believe Alaska pox is a rare disease that causes relatively mild symptoms in most cases. But wild animals can carry infection risks. Health officials say the best way to keep your family safe is to maintain a safe distance and wash your hands after being outdoors.

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