Here’s what’s known about the new virus: First person dies from Alaska smallpox

class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

The news spread like wildfire across the U.S. Northwest: An old man died at the beginning of the year from Alaskan smallpox, which was discovered in 2015. The report caused immediate concern among residents of the US state. Authorities quickly tried to carefully inform the public.

Few people in Switzerland know about the disease. Blick offers an overview of the most pressing questions.

Alaskan smallpox is caused by viruses called orthopoxviruses. These viruses also cause monkey disease, for example. The disease was first discovered in 2015, and six cases have been reported to authorities so far.

The virus is found mainly in small mammals such as voles, which can transmit viruses.

From a research perspective, the exact transmission of reported deaths remains a mystery. The Alaska Department of Health does not know where the deceased may have contracted the virus. Doubt: The man living in the forest may have been infected by a stray cat that liked to hunt field mice. The cat repeatedly scratched the American. The virus may be on the animal’s paws.

Depending on the type, orthopoxviruses are transmitted through contact with infected body secretions, skin injuries, or aerosols. According to experts, the risk of infection in humans is low. But: “We are very interested in investigating the role of pets as potential intermediate vectors in the transmission of the virus from rodents to humans,” says Dr. Alaska Department of Health epidemiologist Joseph McLaughlin told Time Magazine.

So far, scientists have found such infections only in Alaska. Except for death, all cases recorded so far have been mild cases.

One thing is clear: the person who died in Alaska was an old man. His body was already weakened due to cancer treatment. He was hospitalized in November 2023 after discovering an abnormal spot in his armpit and died in late January, the Alaska Department of Health said Friday.

This means that the disease caused by orthopoxviruses usually causes only mild symptoms, but can also lead to serious consequences in people with weakened immune systems.

The incubation period of the virus is approximately two weeks. According to the Alaska Department of Health, symptoms may include:

• One or more skin injuries (lesions)
• large scale rash
• Swollen lymph nodes visible to the naked eye
• Joint or muscle pain

Skin injuries then dry out and can lead to permanent scarring. According to official information, if you suspect infection, you should get tested immediately. Additionally, bed linens that may have come into contact with open wounds should no longer be used.

According to BAG’s Simon Ming, the risk of infection in Switzerland is currently very low. “Switzerland has defined procedures for unknown pathogens. Accordingly, if an incident occurs, the development of the situation will be monitored and medical personnel and the public will be informed,” says Ming.

Source : Blick