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Source-This post on Alaskapox- An orthopox virus has been created based on the article “What Is Alaskapox, Viral Disease That Claimed A Life In US” published in “NDTV WORLD” on 12 February 2024.
Why in the news?
An elderly man from Alaska recently became the first person to die after contracting Alaskapox which is an orthopox virus.
About Alaskapox
| Aspect | Details |
| Origin | It is an orthopox virus that was first discovered in Alaska, USA, in 2015. |
| Description | It is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the same genus (Orthopoxvirus) as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox. |
| Types | They are zoonotic viruses that can infect various mammals, including humans. |
| Host | 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. |
| Symptoms | 1) Symptoms of Alaskapox have included one or more skin lesions (bumps or pustules) and other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and joint and/or muscle pain. 2) Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. 3) Immunocompromised people might be at increased risk for more severe illness |
| Is it contagious? | While human-to-human transmission of Alaskapox has not yet been observed, some orthopoxviruses can spread by direct contact with lesions (particularly broken skin contact with lesion secretions). |
What is Orthopox virus?
Family-It is a genus of viruses in the family Poxviridae.
Host-Vertebrates, including mammals and humans, and arthropods serve as natural hosts.
Types-There are 12 species in this genus.
Diseases-Diseases caused by this virus are smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.
NOTE
Zoonotic Disease– Zoonotic diseases are infections that are spread between people and animals. These infections are caused by germs, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. For example- Rabies, Blastomycosis etc.
UPSC Syllabus- Science and Technology (Health)
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