Alaska Department of Health officials have confirmed the state’s first fatal case of Alaskapox, a viral disease that was recently discovered. The elderly man, who was immunocompromised, lived in the Kenai peninsula and passed away while receiving treatment in late January. According to the Anchorage Daily News, this marked the first known fatal case of Alaskapox in the state.
Only seven cases of Alaskapox have been reported, with the first identified in an adult in Fairbanks, Alaska in 2015. The virus, which comes from the same genus as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox, is most common in small mammals like voles and shrews. Health officials emphasize the importance of raising awareness among clinicians to aid in the early identification of the virus and its symptoms.
Typically, Alaskapox cases present mild symptoms, such as a localized rash and swollen lymph nodes, making diagnosis challenging. However, the recent fatal case took months to diagnose, as the patient’s symptoms were not initially indicative of the severity of the virus.
The deceased man’s immunocompromised condition likely contributed to his death, although it remains unclear how he contracted the virus. He lived alone in the woods and had no recent travel history. Officials speculate that he may have been infected by a cat he lived with, which frequently hunted small mammals and possibly transmitted the virus through scratches.
The man’s symptoms initially appeared as a red bump under his right armpit and progressed to include fatigue and pain. Despite being prescribed antibiotics, his condition worsened, leading to his hospitalization in Anchorage. Although his condition initially improved after receiving intravenous medications, he ultimately succumbed to kidney and respiratory failure.
This tragic case underscores the need for greater understanding and awareness of Alaskapox, particularly among healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in identifying and treating the virus. Further research and education are essential to prevent future fatalities from this rare but potentially deadly disease.