LANSING, MI - A Michigan resident has died after contracting rabies through an organ transplant received in December, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed. The patient, whose identity has not been released, received the organ from a donor who was unknowingly infected with the rabies virus.
MDHHS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and transplant centers to identify and notify other individuals who received organs or tissues from the same donor. These individuals will be evaluated and offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent the onset of rabies. PEP is highly effective when administered promptly after exposure.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. While human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, it can occur through organ transplantation. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough donor screening and the potential risks associated with organ transplantation, despite the rigorous safety protocols in place. MDHHS emphasizes that organ transplantation remains a life-saving procedure for many individuals, and the risk of contracting rabies through transplantation is exceptionally low.
Michigan Transplant Patient Dies from Rabies Infection
A Michigan resident who received an organ transplant in December has died after contracting rabies, according to the state's health department. The individual received the organ from a donor who was unknowingly infected with the virus. Health officials are now working to identify and inform other transplant recipients who may be at risk. This case highlights the rare but serious risk of disease transmission through organ transplantation.
Source: Read the original article at NBC