In a tragic turn of events, an elderly man has become the first person to die from the Alaskapox virus (AKPV) on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. This marks the first confirmed death since the virus was discovered in 2015.

Reports suggest that the exact source of the man's infection remains unknown, but there are speculations that he may have contracted the disease from a stray cat. AKPV is classified as an "orthopoxvirus," belonging to the same family as mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), cowpox, and smallpox.

Alaskapox was initially documented in Alaska in 2015, lending the virus its distinctive name. While most cases of AKPV exhibit mild symptoms such as skin lesions, joint and muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes, it can prove fatal for individuals with compromised immune systems.

The deceased gentleman was undergoing cancer treatment, which had suppressed his immune system. He frequently interacted with a stray cat known to come into contact with small mammals that are prone to AKPV infections, such as red-backed voles and shrews. It is worth noting that the man had a scratch mark on his armpit, corresponding to the area where the first lesion appeared.

Local authorities are issuing warnings to residents, advising caution when interacting with wildlife and pets that may come into contact with wild animals. The Alaska government states on its website, "We are not sure exactly how the virus spreads from animals to people, but contact with small mammals and potentially domestic pets who come into contact with small wild mammals could play a role."

Since 2015, there have been six confirmed cases of Alaskapox, all of which exhibited minor symptoms and did not require hospitalization. It is important to note that these cases were concentrated in or near the city of Fairbanks, which is over 300 miles away from the Kenai Peninsula.

As the investigation into this tragic death continues, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when interacting with animals in order to prevent the spread of Alaskapox.