The new virus called Alaskapox, or Alaskan smallpox, was identified for the first time in 2015. However, cases are now being recorded more than 500 kilometers away from the first. Is there anything to worry about?
An elderly man from the Kenai Peninsula became the first known individual to die from Alaskan smallpox. In reality, this is only the seventh case since it was first identified almost ten years ago, however, the geographical location is of some concern. It was in fact over 500 kilometers from the first, reported in Fairbanks.
After being admitted to hospital in November, the patient died at the end of January. The hospital itself actually believes that the cancer treatments he had undergone may have contributed to increasing the risk of complications due to the virus.
To date, this virus has generally been associated with mild symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain and, as you can see at the following link, the appearance of several pustules on the skin. The virus usually goes away after a few weeks, but it can be more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.
This time we are therefore not talking about giant viruses, but about a strain that belongs to the group of orthopox, or the same one that includes the terrible smallpox. So that explains it the reason for the lesions on the skin and the characteristic name given to the new virus. But how does it spread?
From the evidence gathered so far, it appears that Alaskan smallpox spreads through small mammals, in particular voles and shrews. Although humans can contract the disease from animals, there is currently no sign of human-to-human transmission.
“It is likely that the virus is present more widely in small mammals in Alaska and that there have been multiple infections in humans but have not been identified“explains an FAQ written by the Alaska Division of Public Health.
The conclusion of health officials, although there is no talk of a virus at 30,000 feet, is that Alaskan smallpox it is more geographically widespread than previously thought and that greater awareness of the risks is needed, especially for immunocompromised people.