Fatal Rabies Case in the USA: Disease Transmitted through Kidney Transplant.

According to ТСН: A rare case of rabies-related death linked to an organ donor occurred in the USA. A man from Michigan died in January 2025 after developing infection symptoms a few weeks following his kidney transplant, even though he had never been in contact with infected animals.

Case Details

Investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the source of infection was a donor kidney from Idaho. This is already the fourth case of rabies transmission through transplanted organs in the USA since 1978. During the initial risk assessment, it was discovered that the donor, who died in early December, had been scratched by a skunk in late October 2024, but at that time, it was not associated with potential infection.

Medical Response

The donor's heart, lungs, corneas, and kidneys were removed. Only after the recipient's death was it established that one of the kidneys was infected: CDC studies detected rabies virus RNA in the tissues. The donor did not exhibit signs of illness during his lifetime, which led to suspicion emerging only later.

The patient who received the infected kidney died on the seventh day of hospitalization. Meanwhile, his case helped protect other individuals. Three cornea recipients received effective post-exposure prophylaxis: the corneas were removed, and the patients were given antibodies and a vaccine.

In total, physicians assessed 357 individuals who may have had contact with the donor or kidney recipient. Preventive treatment was recommended for 46 people, including healthcare workers and patients.

Calls for Caution

The CDC noted that the existing organ donor screening rules have shortcomings, as rabies testing is not a standard procedure. The organization urges transplant teams to be more vigilant regarding donors who have been bitten or scratched by animals sensitive to the virus, even if they do not show symptoms.

The CDC report emphasizes that in case of suspected rabies after organ transplantation, urgent diagnostics should be conducted, the possibility of removing transplanted tissues should be considered, and immediate post-exposure prophylaxis should be administered to everyone who may have been at risk.

This tragic case highlights the importance of thorough monitoring of donor organs prior to transplantation. While rabies in humans remains rare, medical professionals call for further improvements in the screening system to prevent similar incidents in the future. In potential infection cases, rapid response can save many patients' lives.