Alaskapox - What You Need to Know!

Common inquiries concerning the Alaskapox virus

The Alaskapox virus: What is it?

The orthopox virus known as Alaskapox was initially identified in a lady who resided close to Fairbanks in 2015. Six further cases of human infections had been documented as of December 2023. This virus is a member of the orthopoxvirus family of viruses. Mammals that are infected by these viruses develop skin lesions.

• What symptoms and indicators does the Alaskapox virus have?

Alaskapox patients have had joint or muscle discomfort, swelling lymph nodes, and one or more skin lesions (see photographs below). Many patients with Alaskapox initially believed they had been bitten by a spider or other insect. The majority of patients had minor ailments that went away on their own in a matter of weeks. One patient with a compromised immune system experienced a serious sickness that ultimately led to their death.

• Where may one find the Alaskapox virus?

Six of the confirmed infections happened to residents of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB), and one resident of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Although research involving animal traps have verified the virus's existence in small animals in FNSB, it is probable that the virus is more widely distributed throughout Alaska's small mammals and that other human infections have taken place but have not yet been discovered. In order to gain a better understanding of the virus's distribution throughout animal populations in Alaska, more animal research is being done.

• From where does the virus originate?

We think that tiny mammals are the main hosts of the Alaskapox virus. Red-backed voles and shrews are the two species in the Fairbanks North Star Borough where the presence of the Alaskapox virus has been established by two rounds of small mammal sampling in 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, data also indicates that the virus is widespread outside of the Fairbanks North Star Borough and can be found in a number of other Alaskan small mammal species. Although the precise mechanism of virus transmission from animals to humans is unknown, it may be facilitated by contact with tiny mammals and maybe by domestic pets that come into touch with small wild mammals.  

• Is it possible for an Alaskapox patient to infect others?

Although there is no evidence of AKPV spreading from person to person, certain orthopoxviruses can be transferred directly through contact with lesions, especially when there is broken skin contact with lesion fluids. As a result, we encourage anyone who may have had Alaskapox-related skin lesions to keep the affected region bandaged and to refrain from sharing bedding or other textiles that may have come into touch with the lesion.

• How do I proceed if I believe I have Alaskapox?

Speak with a medical professional. They are able to determine whether Alaskapox or another illness could be the source of your symptoms. Don't touch the lesion; instead, keep it covered.

• What actions should medical professionals take if they suspect a patient may have Alaskapox?

In order to simplify testing and treatment (if necessary), call the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000 if you suspect an Alaskapox virus infection and have not found a different diagnosis. Encourage the patient to wear a bandage over the lesion. Snap pictures of the injury.

*Source: Alaska Division of Public Healh.