Earlier this year, a Michigan resident tragically succumbed to rabies after receiving an organ transplant, as confirmed by health officials. The patient underwent the transplant procedure in an Ohio hospital in December before passing away in January, according to Lynn Sutfin from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
An investigation, which involved the collaboration of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health, revealed that the rabies virus was transmitted through the transplanted organ. While Sutfin did not disclose the specific type of organ involved, this unfortunate case underscores the intrinsic risks associated with organ donations despite rigorous screening processes.
Rabies, a lethal viral ailment, is transmitted to humans through contact with the saliva or blood of infected animals. The disease starts with mild flu-like symptoms but quickly escalates to severe conditions such as hallucinations and difficulty swallowing. Once symptoms manifest, the disease is almost invariably fatal.
In the United States, the CDC reports that fewer than ten rabies-related deaths occur each year. While rabies transmission via organ transplantation is exceedingly rare, it’s not unprecedented. A similar incident in 2013 saw a kidney transplant recipient die from rabies. Screening protocols for organ donors in the U.S. include comprehensive evaluations of mental state changes and thorough testing for any underlying viruses and infections.
Sutfin reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to general health and safety. “Health officials have worked collaboratively to assess those, including healthcare providers, who may have interacted with the affected Michigan patient, providing post-exposure care when necessary,” she stated.