Alaskapox Death

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An elderly man in Alaska has become the first reported person to die from the recently discovered Alaskapox virus. The virus is believed to have been contracted from a stray cat and has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease.

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An elderly man from Alaska has become the first reported person to die from Alaskapox, a recently discovered virus. The man, who lived on the Kenai Peninsula, experienced symptoms such as a burning skin infection and was eventually hospitalized before passing away [Medical Xpress]. The cause of his infection is believed to be a stray cat that he had taken in and cared for. It is suspected that the cat had contracted the virus from a wild animal [Live Science].

Alaskapox is a rare disease that was only recently identified in Alaska. It is caused by a poxvirus, which is a family of double-stranded DNA viruses. The symptoms of Alaskapox are similar to other poxvirus infections and include fever, rash, and skin lesions. The disease is spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects [Newsweek].

According to health officials, there have been a total of six cases of Alaskapox identified in the state since the virus was first discovered in 2015. However, this is the first reported death from the disease. The virus is believed to be endemic to Alaska and has not been reported in other parts of the world [Forbes Africa].

Health officials are now investigating the source of the virus and its spread. They are urging people to take precautions when handling wild animals and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of Alaskapox. They also recommend maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly [The Sun].

The death of the elderly man highlights the importance of understanding emerging infectious diseases and taking appropriate measures to prevent their spread. Further research and surveillance will be necessary to better understand Alaskapox and develop strategies to manage and control the virus [Time].

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Thread Age 165 days

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Recent Coverage

Alaska man is first reported person to die of Alaskapox virus; exposure may be linked to stray cat

CBS News - 165 days ago - Officials said it's possible a stray cat that "regularly hunted small mammals" had the Alaskapox virus on its claws when it scratched the man.

First Reported Person Dies of Alaskapox Virus

NewsMax - 165 days ago - An elderly man has died from Alaskapox, the first known fatality from the recently discovered virus, state health officials said. The man, who lived in the remote Kenai Peninsula, was hospitalized last November and died in late January, according to a bulletin last week from...

1st fatal case of Alaskapox may have been tied to stray cat

Live Science - 165 days ago - The Alaskapox virus belongs to the same broad group as smallpox and mpox, but to date, it's infected fewer than 10 people.

Alaska man dies from novel animal-borne virus, likely contracted from stray cat

Fox News - 165 days ago - The first fatality from Alaskapox, a type of orthopoxvirus, has been reported on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. Here's what public health officials want people to know about the virus.

Elderly man first person to die from Alaskapox virus

The Jerusalem Post - 165 days ago - Symptoms of Alaskapox include lesions - an abnormal or damaged tissue caused by injury, infection, or disease.

What Is Alaskapox, the Disease That Killed an Elderly Man in Alaska?

People - 165 days ago - An elderly man in Alaska is the first reported death of someone who contracted Alaskapox — a virus related to smallpox which can lead to skin lesions.

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Time - 165 days ago - Health officials in Deschutes County announced last week that a resident, who has not been identified, had been diagnosed with the plague, in the state’s first human case in eight years. The individual was likely infected by their cat, the department says.

Elderly man becomes first person to die from ‘Alaskapox’

The Independent - 165 days ago - There have only been seven recorded cases of Alaskapox to date

What Is Alaskapox? Symptoms and Origins of Virus

Newsweek - 165 days ago - With the first death due to the emerging virus, public health experts are grappling to understand how it affects humans.