It was a tragic twist.
A Michigan resident passed away earlier this year after contracting rabies from an organ transplant, according to health authorities. The transplant procedure took place in Ohio in December, and the individual died in January. An investigation, which involved the CDC and Ohio health officials, determined that the rabies infection was linked to the organ donor.
Rabies, a fatal viral disease, is usually transmitted through the saliva or blood of infected animals. It starts with flu-like symptoms and can progress to severe issues such as hallucinations and trouble swallowing. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is almost always deadly. Although rabies-related deaths are rare in the U.S., organ transplant-related cases are even more unusual. A similar incident occurred in 2013 when a kidney transplant patient succumbed to rabies.
In the U.S., potential organ donors undergo rigorous screening for infections and viruses, including inquiries about changes in their mental health. However, despite these precautionary measures, rare cases like this can still happen. Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emphasized that there is no broader risk to the public.
Authorities also made sure to evaluate those who came into contact with the infected patient, including healthcare providers, for possible rabies exposure. Where necessary, post-exposure treatment was administered to prevent further spread of the disease.
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