Why is it in the News?

An elderly man has died from Alaskapox, the first known fatality from the recently discovered virus.

What is Alaskapox?

• Alaskapox is caused by orthopoxvirus, a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect both animals and humans, leading to skin lesions or pox.
• The virus was first identified in a woman living near Fairbanks, Alaska, and has since been primarily detected in small mammals like red-backed voles and shrews.
  • However, domestic pets such as dogs and cats may also be carriers of the virus.

What are the symptoms of Alaskapox?

• Symptoms of Alaskapox include the development of one or more bumps or pustules on the skin, accompanied by joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.
• While the majority of the seven known human cases in Alaska over the past nine years have experienced mild illnesses that were resolved without intervention, the virus poses a greater threat to individuals with weakened immune systems.

How is Alaskapox Transmitted?

• Transmission of Alaskapox is believed to occur through direct contact with infected animals.
  • Unlike some of its orthopoxvirus relatives, there have been no documented instances of Alaskapox spreading from person to person.
• Though it's not clear how Alaskapox is transmitted, researchers say that it may be zoonotic meaning it can jump from animals to humans.