NEWS – First death due Alaskapox recorded in Alaska

ALASKAPOX

• Orthopox virus
• First discovered in Alaska, USA, in 2015
• Zoonotic viruses that can infect various mammals, including humans.
• Current evidence indicates that the Alaskapox virus primarily occurs in small mammals. The virus has been most commonly identified in red-backed voles and shrews.
• Signs and Symptoms: skin lesions (bumps or pustules) + swollen lymph nodes + joint and/or muscle pain + Nearly all patients had mild illnesses + Immunocompromised people might be at increased risk for more severe illness