First discovered in 2015, Alaska pox was found, needless to say, in Alaska. It is believed that this disease is relatively mild but a recent death has sparked serious concerns in the United States. Earlier this month, the first case of human death due to Alaska pox was reported.
OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Dipak Patade, Consultant Physician, Adhikari Lifeline Multispeciality Hospital, Palghar, to get clarity on what Alaska pox is and how it poses a risk of death.
What Is Alaska Pox?
Dr Patade said, “Alaska pox belongs to the orthopoxviruses family which are characterized by brick-shaped viruses that can infect both animals and humans, resulting in skin lesions or pox.”
According to the Alaska Department of Health, Alaska pox can be transmitted from animals to humans. It stated, “To date, no human-to-human transmission of Alaska Pox virus has been documented. However, since certain orthopoxviruses can be transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions, we recommend that people with skin lesions possibly caused by Alaskapox keep the affected area covered with a bandage.”
Also read: Chickenpox Scars Occur In 18% Of Infections: Expert Shares Causes, Precautions, And Treatment
Symptoms
While listing down the symptoms, Dr Patade said, “In Alaska pox, an individual can usually develop one or more skin bumps or pustules, along with joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes. It is important to note that Alaska pox is a rare virus causing mild illnesses, though recent attention has been drawn to it due to a fatal case.”
The Alaska Health Department states, “Several Alaskapox patients initially thought they had a spider or insect bite. Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks.” The department further stated that the patient who died had an immunocompromising condition that developed severe disease.
Talking about this condition Dr Patade said, “In immune-compromised individuals such as those with HIV, cancer undergoing chemotherapy, or patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, Alaska Pox can turn out to be fatal. This is due to their decreased ability to produce antibodies or mount an effective immune response, leading to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and eventual death.”
Also read: Monkeypox May Be Slowing In Europe, Says WHO
Causes Of Alaska Pox
It is believed that Alaska pox primarily occurs from small mammals. Although it is not confirmed on how exactly the virus is being spread to humans from animals. When asked about how it is caused and spread, Dr Patade said, “Alaska pox is a rare zoonotic viral disease similar to smallpox virus, primarily transmitted through accidental exposure to wild animals such as red-backed voles and shrews. There’s a potential transmission link to humans from pet animals like dogs and cats, especially those who come into contact with wild animals during hunting or leisure trips in forests or exotic landscapes.”
The disease is limited to Alaska and has not been found anywhere else, says the health department.
Treatment
According to Dr Patade, Treatment for Alaska pox typically involves antiviral drugs such as cidofovir (CDV), brincidofovir (BCV), and tecovirimat, which have shown promising antiviral actions in laboratory animal trials. However, prevention remains the best approach.
