State reports the first known fatal case of Alaskapox
State health officials reported this week the first known fatal case of Alaskapox in an immunocompromised man from the Kenai Peninsula. He was undergoing treatment in Anchorage when he died in late January.
Alaskapox, a recently discovered species of double-stranded-DNA virus, was first identified in Alaska in 2015. It belongs to the same genus as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox, and is primarily found in small mammals like voles and shrews.
According to an Alaska Section of Epidemiology bulletin released Friday, the deceased man is one of seven reported cases of Alaskapox infections to date. The fatal case, which took months to diagnose, is significant as Alaskapox had previously only resulted in mild infections. Additionally, this is the first reported case outside of the Fairbanks area.
Officials believe the man's immunocompromised status may have contributed to the severity of his illness. Previously reported cases involved mild illness characterized by a localized rash and swollen lymph nodes, and those affected had healthy immune systems.
This latest case suggests that the virus may be more widespread in Alaska's rodents and small animals than previously thought. State health officials are recommending that medical providers familiarize themselves with the symptoms of Alaskapox to facilitate early diagnosis.
The cause of the fatal case remains unclear. It's possible the man contracted the virus from a stray cat that hunted small mammals and scratched him near the area where his symptoms started. Although the cat tested negative for the virus, it could have carried it on its claws.
The man sought medical care multiple times over six weeks after noticing a tender red bump in his armpit in September. His symptoms worsened to include fatigue and pain by mid-November. Despite treatment, he experienced kidney failure and other systemic declines before passing away in late January.
Health officials advise individuals with lesions to cover them with a bandage and report any possible symptoms of Alaskapox to a medical provider. Good hygiene practices around wildlife and pets are also recommended to prevent infection.
The bulletin includes nine recommendations aimed at promoting awareness and prevention of Alaskapox among Alaskans, including measures for clinics to protect immunocompromised patients and staff.