How did the Michigan man contract rabies?

The Michigan man contracted rabies through an organ transplant from a donor who had an undiagnosed infection.

Can rabies be transmitted through organ donation?

Yes, although rare, rabies can be transmitted through organ donation, as evidenced by this case involving a Michigan man.

What is the outcome for other organ recipients?

Three other recipients of organs from the same donor received preventative treatment and have remained symptom-free.

Home / Health / Rabies Strikes After Transplant: Donor's Secret Infection

Rabies Strikes After Transplant: Donor's Secret Infection

12 Dec

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Summary

A Michigan man died from rabies after receiving an organ transplant.
The organ donor contracted rabies from a skunk scratch before death.
Three other recipients received preventative treatment and are safe.

Rabies Strikes After Transplant: Donor's Secret Infection

A rare and fatal case of rabies transmitted through organ donation has been detailed by the CDC. A Michigan man died from the disease in January, approximately five weeks after receiving a left kidney transplant in December 2024. His symptoms, including tremors and confusion, prompted clinicians to investigate further, leading to the identification of rabies virus RNA postmortem.

Further investigation traced the infection to the organ donor, who had a previously undiagnosed case of rabies. Medical history revealed the donor had been scratched by a skunk in October 2024. While the kidney recipient passed away, three other individuals who received corneas from the same donor have been treated preventatively and show no symptoms.

This incident marks the fourth reported case of transplant-related rabies in humans since 1978. The CDC noted the lack of current guidance for medical teams regarding potential donor exposure to rabid animals and suggested further review of protocols, especially when a donor has a recent history of potential exposure.