LANSING, MI - A Michigan resident has died after contracting rabies following an organ transplant performed in Ohio, according to state health officials. The patient received the organ in Ohio and subsequently developed rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health departments in both Michigan and Ohio are working together to investigate the source of the infection and identify any other individuals who may have been exposed. Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated after symptoms appear.
Health officials emphasize that organ transplantation is generally safe, but there is always a small risk of transmitting infectious diseases. Strict screening protocols are in place to minimize this risk, but rare cases like this can still occur. The investigation aims to determine if there were any lapses in the screening process or if the rabies infection was undetectable at the time of the transplant. The incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and improvements in organ transplant safety protocols. Public health officials are urging anyone who has received an organ transplant and experiences unusual neurological symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Michigan Resident Dies After Rabies Transmission from Organ Transplant
A Michigan resident has died after contracting rabies from an organ transplant performed in Ohio. Health officials are investigating how the rabies virus was transmitted through the donated organ. This tragic case highlights the rare but serious risk of infectious disease transmission during organ transplantation. Public health experts are emphasizing the importance of thorough screening processes to prevent future incidents.
Source: Read the original article at CBS