An elderly man living in a remote area of Alaska has succumbed to Alaskapox, making him the first known fatality from the recently discovered virus. After being hospitalized last November, he passed away at the end of January due to complications from the illness, according to a bulletin from Alaska public health officials. The man, who was undergoing cancer treatment and had a weakened immune system, is believed to have contracted the virus from a stray cat that lived with him.
Alaskapox, also known as AKPV, is related to smallpox, cowpox, and monkeypox (mpox). Health officials have stated that symptoms of the virus can include a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint or muscle pain. However, immunocompromised individuals may be at a higher risk for severe illness. Since the first case reported in 2015, only six other cases of the virus have been documented, all of which were mild and did not require hospitalization.
Although the exact transmission mechanism of AKPV remains unclear, researchers suspect that it may be zoonotic, meaning it can transfer from animals to humans. Tests conducted in the Fairbanks area, where the virus was first reported, revealed evidence of current or previous infection in several species of small mammals, including red-backed voles, as well as at least one domestic pet. The elderly man had reported caring for a stray cat at his home. Although the cat tested negative for the virus, it was known to hunt small mammals and frequently scratched the patient, raising the possibility that the virus was transmitted through a scratch on the man’s body.
Despite this tragic incident, it is essential to note that there have been no documented cases of humans passing on the virus to others. However, health officials recommend that individuals with skin lesions potentially caused by Alaskapox cover the affected area with a bandage and avoid sharing bedding or linens that have come into contact with the lesion. Furthermore, Alaskans are urged to follow federal health precautions when around wildlife to minimize the risk of Alaskapox infections.
As a result of this report, health authorities have emphasized the importance of practicing good hygiene when interacting with wildlife. This includes washing hands with soap and water after handling wild animals or their waste, as well as using gloves when handling dead animals, even if they have recently been killed. This advice comes in the wake of a rare case of human plague recently confirmed in Oregon, where an individual was likely infected by their pet cat. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and cautious when caring for animals and interacting with wildlife.
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