A Michigan resident has died of rabies after receiving an organ transplant.
In December 2024, a patient receiving transplant at an Ohio Hospital died of a deadly virus in January 2025, a spokesman for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed Fox News Digital.
The spokesperson said, “The individual was recently an organ transplant recipient, and a public health check -up determined that he signed rabies through the implanted organ.”
Doctors say that alcohol related liver transplant among young adults, says doctor
The rabies was confirmed by the CDC Rabies Laboratory.
A Michigan resident has died of rabies after receiving an organ transplant. (Istock)
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has worked with Ohio Health and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on investigation, the same source said.
“Health officials worked together to ensure that people, including healthcare providers who were in touch with the Michigan person, were evaluated to ensure the possible risk of rabies,” MDHS said. “Post-exposure preventive care, if suitable, has been provided.”
Potentially malignant zoonotic virus found in America
“There is no threat to the general public.”
According to health officials, the organ donor was not Michigan or Ohio resident. No additional information has been given about the resident or donor.
Rabies is a malignant viral disease that is mainly transmitted from an infected animal to people and pets through a bite from an infected animal. (Istock)
While the organs are regularly examined before transplantation for infectious diseases, cancer, quality and functionality, rabies tests are usually not performed.
According to the information published by the National Institute of Health, “There is currently no country or institution, which requires a screening of rabies between donors before organ transplant surgery.”
Click here to sign up for our health newspaper
In 2013, CDC confirmed the death of four people in Maryland, who signed rabies after receiving organs from the same donor.
In 2004, the agency reported the death of rabies of three people, who received organs from a general infected donor.
What do you know about rabies
Rabies is a malignant viral disease that is mainly transmitted from an infected animal to people and pets through a bite from an infected animal.
The virus affects the central nervous system, eventually causing brain dysfunction. Infected person may experience anxiety, confusion, movement and hallucinations according to the health agency.
If the infected person does not receive medical attention before the symptoms begin, then rabies is almost always fatal. (Istock)
If the infected person does not receive medical attention before the symptoms begin, then rabies is almost always fatal.
The CDC said that around 60,000 people in the US receive medical care after coming in contact with rabies. Every year less than 10 deaths are reported in the country.
For more health articles, travel www.foxnews.com/health
Most American contracting rabies are infected with bats. Other animals that usually carry rabies include racoon, scank, and fox.
