News Excerpt:
Alaskapox, a rare virus causing mild illnesses, has been found in Alaska for nine years. Recently, a man died from the virus, bringing attention to it.
What is Alaskapox?
- Alaskapox belongs to a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect animals and humans.
- These bugs, known as orthopoxviruses, tend to cause lesions, or pox, on the skin.
- Alaskapox was discovered in 2015 in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska.
- It mainly has been found in small mammals, including red-backed voles and shrews. But pets, such as dogs and cats, may also carry the virus.
About the Alaskapox case:
- Alaska health officials are aware of seven people infected with Alaskapox since the virus was discovered in 2015, but the latest case represents the first time someone is known to have died from it.
- The elderly man was being treated for cancer and had a suppressed immune system because of the drugs.
Symptoms of Alaskapox:
- People with Alaskapox have developed one or more bumps or pustules on the skin, as well as joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.
- Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. But people with weakened immune systems can be in danger of more severe illness.
How does it spread?
- Alaskapox spreads through contact with infected animals.
- There has been no documented case of it spreading from one person to another.
- But other viruses in the same family can spread when one person comes in contact with another person’s lesions.
Prevention from Alaskapox:
- Alaskapox is a rare illness that in most cases causes relatively mild symptoms.
- The best way to keep pets and family members safe is to keep a safe distance and wash your hands after being outdoors.
- Do not keep wildlife as pets.
