Alaskapox: Unraveling the Details of Alaska's Unusual Spreading Virus | Oneindia News
Discover all you need to know about Alaskapox, an unusual virus causing concern in Alaska. From its origins to how it spreads and its symptoms, join us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding this unique viral threat.
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#AlaskaPox #Alaska #AlaskaPoxSymptoms #AlaskaPoxVirus #ALaskaPoxDisease #AlaskaNews #HealthCare #AlaskaPeople #Oneindia
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NewsTranscript
00:00 In Alaska, health officials have been monitoring an unusual virus for nine years, causing rare
00:09 yet mild illness in the Fairbanks area.
00:12 However, a recent case resulting in a tragic death elsewhere in the state has thrust the
00:18 so-called Alaska pox virus with the spotlight once again.
00:24 Alaska pox belongs to the family of brick-shaped viruses known as orthopoxviruses, capable
00:31 of infecting both animals and humans.
00:35 These viruses typically manifest as lasers or pox on the skin, each possessing unique
00:41 characteristics and varying levels of danger.
00:44 While smallpox is the most widely recognized, other members of this viral family include
00:50 camelpox, cowpox, horsepox and mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
00:57 Discovered in 2015 in a woman residing near Fairbanks, Alaska, Alaska pox has primarily
01:04 been detected in small mammals like red-backed wolves and shrews.
01:09 However, health officials note that pets such as dogs and cats may also carry the virus.
01:16 Over the past nine years, seven individuals in Alaska have been infected with Alaska pox,
01:22 shedding light on this potential threat to public health.
01:27 Individuals affected by Alaska pox typically exhibit one or more skin bumps or pustules,
01:33 accompanied by symptoms such as joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.
01:38 While most patients experience mild illness that resolve spontaneously within a few weeks,
01:45 those with compromised immune systems face an increased risk of developing more severe
01:51 complications.
01:53 Officials suspect that Alaska pox spreads through contact with infected animals.
01:58 While there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission, similar viruses
02:04 within the same family can spread through contact with lesions.
02:09 Therefore, Alaska health officials advise individuals with Alaska pox lesions to cover
02:15 them with a bandage as a precautionary measure.
02:19 Alaska health officials have confirmed seven cases of Alaska pox infection since its discovery,
02:25 but the latest incident marks the first known fatality associated with the virus.
02:30 The deceased individual, an elderly man residing in the Kenai Peninsula, was undergoing cancer
02:36 treatment, resulting in a suppressed immune system due to medication.
02:41 In September, he observed a red sore under his right armpit, prompting multiple visits
02:47 to health care professionals over the following two months due to fatigue and burning pain.
02:53 Hospitalized in November, he succumbed to the illness last month, as reported in a bulletin
02:59 from Alaska public health officials.
03:02 Residing in a remote forested area and lacking travel history, the man had frequently encountered
03:08 a stray cat known for hunting small animals, sustaining multiple scratches, one of which
03:14 was in the vicinity of his armpit, according to officials.
03:18 While Alaska pox typically results in mild symptoms in most cases, health officials stress
03:24 the potential infection risks associated with wildlife.
03:29 To ensure the safety of pets and family members, it is advised to maintain a safe distance
03:35 from wildlife and practice proper hand hygiene after outdoor activities.
03:41 Additionally, attempting to domesticate wildlife as pets is strongly discouraged by health
03:47 authorities.
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