Alaskapox is a type of smallpox that was first discovered in Alaska in 2015. All cases of infection with the disease went without complications, except for the last one, when the patient died.
Symptoms include rash and body aches. The disease is associated with smallpox, cowpox, and smallpox. The ways of transmission are not fully understood by scientists, although there have been no cases of human-to-human infection so far. The disease poses a particular threat to one category of people.
Alaskan smallpox: what are the symptoms
Alaskan smallpox, also known as AKPV, or Alaskapox, is related to smallpox, cowpox, and variola. The first case of infection occurred in 2015, and since then only seven infections have been detected. The disease has struck Fairbanks residents six times: once in 2020, twice in 2021, and once in 2022 and 2023, Time writes.
Doctors know the following symptoms of the disease:
- rash;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- joint pain;
- muscle pain.
The ways of transmission of Alaskan smallpox are not fully understood. Scientists assume that the virus is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. Tests revealed that mice and pets in the Fairbanks area were infected. So far, the disease has not been found to be transmitted from one person to another.
Alaskapox in the USA: is it possible to protect yourself from the disease
The seventh (and as of February 15, 2024, the last) case of infection occurred on Kenai Island in 2023. The researchers were alerted to the case because it occurred 483 kilometers from Fairbanks. In January 2024, the man died, writes The Guardian.
The elderly man was hospitalized in November 2023. He was being treated for cancer and had a suppressed immune system, which most likely contributed to the severity of the disease. It is worth noting that all previous cases went without complications, and patients did not even need specialized treatment.
The man said that he was taking care of a stray cat at his home. Scratches were found on the body of the deceased, and the animal regularly hunted small mammals. Most likely, the virus was on the cat’s claws when it scratched its owner once again.
Doctors advise to take the following measures in case of infection with Alaskan smallpox:
- cover the affected area with a bandage;
- wash your hands thoroughly;
- avoid sharing clothes that could touch the affected areas;
- separate washing of clothes and sheets from other household items.
The Alaskan authorities also urged people to observe wildlife safety measures while in the region. This should also help protect against infection.
