Alaskapox is an Orthopoxvirus – other viruses in this group include cowpox, mpox and smallpox (eradicated globally – last documented case in 1977).
Alaskapox was first discovered in humans in 2015. This man was immunocompromised so reinforces the need to ensure that good infection prevention and control practices are used to help protect those with less efficient immune systems.
Cowpox is zoonotic with cutaneous lesions and may be transmitted from infected cows, rodents, felines and captive animals. It is endemic in Europe and the Caucuses.
Mpox is also zoonotic and may be transmitted from infected will mammals. It can also be transmitted from person to person with close physical contact. It is endemic in West and Central and Africa.
Prevention – Avoid contact with sick or dead animals,
Source:
ALASKAPOX – USA: (ALASKA) FIRST FATAL HUMAN CASE
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A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Fri 9 Feb 2024 Source: Anchorage Daily News [edited]
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2024/02/09/state-reports-first-known-fatal-case-of-alaskapox/