The dreaded specter of viral diseases has recently taken a worrying turn with the emergence of Alaskapox, a virus as rare as it is mysterious. Alaska health officials announced the first death linked to the virus on February 9, casting a harsh light on a pathogen whose understanding remains limited. Belonging to the same family as monkeypox, Alaskapox has attracted growing concern due to its potential transmission by animals or insects.
The victim, who died at the end of January, became the seventh person in the world to contract this enigmatic disease since its discovery in 2015. Faced with this emerging threat, the Alaskapox virus has crossed an alarming threshold by recording its first death human in January 2024. Commonly referred to as “Alaskan smallpox,” this orthopoxvirus intrigues experts and raises concerns within the medical and scientific communities.
What are the symptoms of Alaskapox?
Symptoms of Alaskapox are similar to other viral infections. They include fever, chills, headache and painpain muscles. Infected people may also develop ulcer-like skin lesions. These lesions can be painful and may take several weeks to heal. In some cases, infected people may also experience more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or neurological complications.
Alaskapox is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus is believed to be transmitted by wild animals, although thespeciesspecies exact is not yet known. Scientists also believe that the virus can be transmitted by insectsinsects, such as mosquitoes or ticks. However, research is ongoing to better understand the transmission routes of this enigmatic virus.
A global spread to fear?
Although Alaskapox is currently limited to Alaska, there are concerns that the virus could spread to other areas. As with any infectious disease, the spread of Alaskapox depends on many factors, including the lifestyles of host animals, environmental conditions, and interactions between humans and animals. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation and working to develop strategies to prevent wider spread.
What prevention measures?
There preventionprevention Alaskapox mainly involves avoiding contact with wild animals that could carry the virus. This includes taking precautions when handling dead animals and avoiding areas where wildlife is known to be present. People who live or work in areas where Alaskapox is present may also consider wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants to reduce the risk of insect bites. Finally, it is important to report any suspicious symptoms to health authorities so that they can monitor the spread of the virus.
