Current:Home > ContactWhat is Alaskapox? Recent death brings attention to virus seen in small animals -FinanceCore
What is Alaskapox? Recent death brings attention to virus seen in small animals
Ethermac Exchange View
Date:2025-04-10 03:29:14
NEW YORK (AP) — For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man’s death — has brought new attention to the so-called Alaskapox virus.
Here’s some background on the virus:
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. Each has its own characteristics, and some are considered more dangerous than others.
Smallpox is perhaps the most famous of the lot, but other family members include camelpox, cowpox, horsepox and mpox — formerly known as monkeypox.
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, health officials say.
Seven people, all in Alaska, have been infected with it in the last nine years.
WHAT ARE THE 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 for more severe illness.
HOW DOES ALASKAPOX SPREAD?
Officials believe 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, so Alaska health officials are advising anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LATEST CASE?
Alaska health officials are aware of seven people infected with Alaskapox since the virus was discovered, but the latest case represents the first time someone is known to have died from it.
The elderly man, who lived in the Kenai Peninsula, was being treated for cancer and had a suppressed immune system because of the drugs. In September, he noticed a red sore under his right armpit and went to see doctors over the next two months because of fatigue and burning pain. He was hospitalized in November and died last month, according to a bulletin last week from Alaska public health officials.
The man lived in a remote forested area and did not travel. He had been repeatedly scratched by a stray cat that hunted small animals, and one of the scratches was in the area of the man’s armpit, officials said.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY PETS?
Alaskapox is a rare illness that in most cases causes a relatively mild symptoms, health officials believe.
That said, wildlife can carry infections risks. Health officials say the best ways to keep pets and family members safe is to keep a safe distance and wash your hands after being outdoors. Also, not try to keep wildlife as pets.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
veryGood! (75)
Related
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- House Republicans vote to rebuke Kamala Harris over administration’s handling of border policy
- NYC bus crashes into Burger King after driver apparently suffers a medical episode
- 'America’s Grandmother' turns 115: Meet the oldest living person in the US, Elizabeth Francis
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- F1 driver Esteban Ocon to join American Haas team from next season
- Judge won’t block Georgia prosecutor disciplinary body that Democrats fear is aimed at Fani Willis
- Major funders bet big on rural America and ‘everyday democracy’
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- American Olympic officials' shameful behavior ignores doping truth, athletes' concerns
Ranking
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Yellowstone shuts down Biscuit Basin for summer after hydrothermal explosion damaged boardwalk
- Video game performers will go on strike over artificial intelligence concerns
- Senate committee votes to investigate Steward Health Care bankruptcy and subpoena its CEO
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- North Korean charged in ransomware attacks on American hospitals
- Cindy Crawford Weighs in on Austin Butler’s Elvis Accent
- Locked out of town hall, 1st Black mayor of a small Alabama town returns to office
Recommendation
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
Indiana man competent for trial in police officer’s killing
A man got third-degree burns walking on blazing hot sand dunes in Death Valley, rangers say
Casey Kaufhold, US star women's archer, driven by appetite to follow Olympic greatness
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
Workers at GM seat supplier in Missouri each tentative agreement, end strike
Brittany Aldean Slams Maren Morris’ “Pro-Woman Bulls--t” Stance Amid Feud
Taylor Swift Reveals She's the Godmother of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Kids