Alaska reports first known fatality from "Alaskan smallpox", CDC issues precaution guidelines
According to a public announcement made by Alaskan public health institutions, a resident of the remote Kenai Peninsula began his hospitalization in November 2023, eventually passing away at the end of January 2024.
Reports indicated that the man had been undergoing cancer treatment, which likely weakened his immune system and could have influenced the progression of the disease. Though referred to as elderly, his precise age was not specified.
Authorities reported that the deceased man "lived solitarily in a wooded area and did not indicate any recent travels or close contact with others who had journeyed, were ill, or had experienced similar health changes."
Could the virus be zoonotic?
The mode of transmission for this virus remains uncertain, but scientists speculate it could be a zoonotic disease.
While the man was alive, he mentioned caring for a stray cat at his home. Reports noted that although the cat tested negative for the virus, it "regularly hunted small mammals and often scratched the man." A notable scratch was documented near the man's armpit, which had developed the first symptom, a red lesion.
Health officials have stated that, as of now, there are no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of this virus. However, they advise people with skin lesions to cover them with a bandage.
Additional recommendations include thorough handwashing, avoiding sharing clothes that may have been in contact with skin lesions, and washing such clothing and bedding separately from other household items.
The CDC advises washing hands with soap and water following contact with wild animals or their droppings. They also suggest that hunters should always wear gloves while handling dead animals, even if they have recently been killed.
