A man in Michigan died from rabies after receiving an organ transplant in Ohio, according to a joint investigation by health officials. The patient received the organ in December and died in January due to the disease.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread through animal saliva or blood contact. Symptoms worsen over time, progressing from flu-like symptoms to hallucinations and difficulty swallowing before being fatal. In the US, fewer than 10 people die annually from rabies. The patient’s death highlights the rare risk of transmission through organ transplants.
The screening process for potential donors includes mental state changes and virus testing. Health officials stress there is no public threat. They also ensured those in contact with the individual were assessed for possible exposure to rabies, providing necessary post-exposure care.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/rabies-michigan-organ-transplant-death-ohio-69c7372983356ddb0509a527af239138