State health officials have reported the unfortunate death of an elderly man in Alaska due to Alaskapox, marking the first known fatality caused by this newly discovered virus. The source of the man’s virus remains uncertain, although authorities speculate that it may be connected to a stray cat that resided in his home.
According to a bulletin released Friday from Alaska public health officials, the man, who resided in the remote Kenai Peninsula, was hospitalized last November and passed away in late January.
Officials have reported a fatality related to Alaskapox (AKPV), a virus associated with smallpox, cowpox, and mpox.
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The victim, described as elderly, was undergoing cancer treatment, and a suppressed immune system due to medication may have contributed to the severity of the illness.
AKPV, first identified in Alaska in 2015, shares symptoms with a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint or muscle pain. Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of experiencing severe illness.
This marks the seventh reported case, with the previous six instances occurring in the Fairbanks area, more than 300 miles away from the Kenai Peninsula.
The deceased individual, residing alone in a forested area, reported no recent travel or close contacts related to travel, illness, or similar lesions, according to the health bulletin.
Caution Urged Amid Unclear Alaskapox Transmission
The mode of AKPV transmission remains unclear, but researchers suggest it may be zoonotic, potentially jumping from animals to humans.
Tests indicated evidence of current or previous infection in small mammals in the Fairbanks area, including red-backed voles, and at least one domestic pet.
The deceased man had cared for a stray cat, which, although testing negative for the virus, frequently hunted small mammals and scratched the patient. The scratch, located near the armpit, coincided with the appearance of the first symptom – a red lesion.
Health officials caution individuals with skin lesions potentially caused by Alaskapox to cover the affected area with a bandage and avoid sharing bedding or linens in contact with the lesion.
Although there’s no documented evidence of human-to-human transmission, officials emphasize caution, particularly for those with skin lesions.
Health authorities urge Alaskans to adhere to federal health precautions when interacting with wildlife to mitigate potential Alaskapox infections.
Recommendations include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with wild animals or their feces. Hunters are advised to wear gloves when handling dead animals, even if freshly killed.
