Poxviruses
Poxviruses, found worldwide, are a group of viruses that can infect both humans and animals, causing the formation of lesions, skin nodules, or a widespread rash when a person or animal is infected.
Infections with poxviruses typically occur due to contact with infected animals, people, or contaminated objects. While certain poxviruses, like
smallpox, no longer exist naturally, cases of other poxviruses like
mpox and borealpox have been reported in Alaska and have the potential to cause diseases.
Poxviruses in Alaska:
Borealpox virus was discovered in 2015 in Fairbanks, Alaska. This virus is known to infect mammals, including humans, and cause skin lesions.
Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by the Monkeypox virus. Until 2022, cases were primarily reported in central and western African countries. However, since May 2022, cases have emerged in countries, including the US, where mpox transmission was not previously documented. Alaska has also reported confirmed cases of mpox.