A deadly virus discovered in Alaska
An elderly man has died from Alaska pox, a relatively new virus that was discovered in 2015. This virus, also known as AKPV, has been linked to other diseases such as smallpox, smallpox cattle and mpox. So far, only seven cases of infection have been reported, but this is the first to be fatal.
The man who died lived in a remote area and was hospitalized in November. After a battle with the disease, he lost his life at the end of January. Health authorities have reported that the patient’s immune system was weakened due to cancer treatment, which contributed to his death.
Symptoms and characteristics of Alaskan pox
Symptoms of Alaska pox include a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and ear or muscle pain. Although the disease is usually mild and human infections have been very rare, this virus has proven to be lethal in this particular case. It is important to note that Alaskan pox is a disease that is still poorly understood and many aspects about it are unknown.
Origin and spread of the virus
Alaska pox is a virus endemic to small mammal populations in Alaska, such as shrews and squirrels. It belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus, which includes other viruses such as smallpox and mpox. Although this virus is believed to have been present in the area for centuries, it was not detected until 2015. The exact reasons for its change in behavior are unknown, but it has been speculated that public awareness has increased and cases that previously went unnoticed have been diagnosed.
Recommendations and precautions
In the face of Alaskan pox, it is important to take precautions to prevent its spread. It is advisable to avoid contact with animals potentially susceptible to contracting the disease and maintain good personal hygiene. If you experience symptoms such as a rash or swollen lymph nodes, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
