U.S. Man Dies from Rabies Following Infected Kidney Transplant
A recent tragedy has arisen following the death of a man from rabies after receiving a kidney transplant. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding organ donation safety protocols in the United States.
Details of the Incident
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the case involving a Michigan resident. In December 2024, he received a left kidney from a deceased donor in Idaho at a hospital located in Ohio.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Five weeks post-transplant, the recipient displayed alarming symptoms, including:
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Incontinence
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nervous system issues
- Hydrophobia (irrational fear of water)
He was hospitalized soon after and tragically passed away 51 days after the surgery.
Source of Infection
Investigations revealed that the kidney donor had unknowingly contracted rabies from a skunk that scratched him weeks prior to his death. This donor had also been holding a kitten at the time of the incident. The skunk likely contracted rabies from a bat.
Impact on Health Officials
The CDC identified 349 healthcare workers and 18 community members who had possible exposure to the virus through the donor or the kidney recipient. Recommendations for precautionary treatment were issued for about 13% of these individuals.
Safety Protocols and Recommendations
While organ transplant donors undergo screening for various diseases, rabies is not typically included in these assessments. The CDC emphasized the importance of contacting public health officials when rabies is suspected among donor families or healthcare workers.
Conclusion
This incident marks the 10th known case of rabies transmission via organ or tissue transplants in the U.S. since 1978. The CDC reassured the public that the overall risk of rabies from transplants remains low.
