A Michigan resident has died from rabies after receiving an organ transplant. The patient received the transplant at an Ohio hospital in December 2024. Tragically, the patient contracted rabies from the infected organ and died in January 2025.
Health officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the transplant. They are working to understand how the donor, who was unknowingly infected with rabies, was not properly screened before the organs were harvested. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting in the investigation. Public health experts emphasize the importance of thorough screening processes for organ donors to prevent future tragedies. This case highlights the rare but serious risks associated with organ transplantation and the need for vigilance in ensuring donor safety. The CDC recommends immediate medical attention for anyone potentially exposed to rabies.
Rabies Death Linked to Organ Transplant in Michigan
A Michigan resident died from rabies after receiving an organ transplant from an infected donor. The transplant occurred at an Ohio hospital in December 2024. The patient developed rabies and succumbed to the virus in January 2025. Health officials are investigating to determine how the donor was not screened properly for the deadly disease.