Borealpox virus in Adult
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Synopsis
Borealpox virus, formerly known as Alaskapox virus, is a rare Orthopoxvirus, a double-stranded DNA virus that is not closely related to other known Orthopoxviruses. It has been found to be enzootic in several species of mammals in Interior Alaska.
A total of 7 cases of borealpox virus have been reported (in both adults and children). Six cases occurred during mid-to-late summer in forested areas near Fairbanks, Alaska. These 6 cases were mild and self-limited. The seventh case, which occurred in an elderly man from the Kenai Peninsula with a history of drug-induced immunosuppression, resulted in his death in January 2024. No other cases resulted in hospitalization or death. All cases began with the appearance of a small, superficial skin lesion. Associated symptoms and signs included surrounding erythema, induration, pain, lymphangitis, and painful adenopathy. Additional symptoms included fatigue, malaise, and subjective fever.
Serologic and viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of trapped animals from Alaska's Interior has revealed past and current infection in various species of small mammals, including the northern red-backed vole, shrews, and squirrels.
There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
A total of 7 cases of borealpox virus have been reported (in both adults and children). Six cases occurred during mid-to-late summer in forested areas near Fairbanks, Alaska. These 6 cases were mild and self-limited. The seventh case, which occurred in an elderly man from the Kenai Peninsula with a history of drug-induced immunosuppression, resulted in his death in January 2024. No other cases resulted in hospitalization or death. All cases began with the appearance of a small, superficial skin lesion. Associated symptoms and signs included surrounding erythema, induration, pain, lymphangitis, and painful adenopathy. Additional symptoms included fatigue, malaise, and subjective fever.
Serologic and viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of trapped animals from Alaska's Interior has revealed past and current infection in various species of small mammals, including the northern red-backed vole, shrews, and squirrels.
There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Codes
ICD10CM:
B08.09 – Other orthopoxvirus infections
SNOMEDCT:
414015000 – Disease caused by Orthopoxvirus
B08.09 – Other orthopoxvirus infections
SNOMEDCT:
414015000 – Disease caused by Orthopoxvirus
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Last Reviewed:08/30/2021
Last Updated:04/03/2024
Last Updated:04/03/2024