A patient in Michigan has tragically died of rabies after contracting the virus through an organ transplant. This marks the first human case of rabies in the state in over 16 years. The patient, a Michigan resident, received the transplanted organ in Ohio in December 2024, but sadly passed away in January 2025. Health officials confirmed the cause of death was rabies, and a joint investigation was launched to determine how the virus was transmitted.
Details of the Case and Investigation
The organ donor was not from Michigan or Ohio, but the patient received the transplant while under the care of Lucas County, Ohio, which is located just south of the Michigan-Ohio state line. Despite the organ being sourced from Ohio, the case has been classified as a Michigan occurrence because the patient was a resident of Michigan at the time of death. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the patient.
Upon confirmation of rabies, health agencies from both Ohio and Michigan, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), initiated an investigation into the cause of death and any potential risk to public health. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) collaborated with the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC’s Rabies Laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. The CDC confirmed that this was the first human case of rabies in Michigan since 2009.
Health Officials Respond
Following the discovery, health officials began monitoring doctors, healthcare professionals, and others who may have come into contact with the patient. A thorough assessment was conducted to evaluate whether they had been exposed to the rabies virus. In cases of potential exposure, preventive treatments such as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) have been provided to ensure there is no further risk of transmission.
Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for MDHHS, explained, “Health officials worked together to ensure that people, including healthcare providers, who were in contact with the Michigan individual were assessed for possible exposure to rabies.” Fortunately, the investigation has shown no additional risk to the general public.
The Rare Nature of Rabies in the U.S.
Rabies is a rare but deadly virus, usually transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. According to the CDC, fewer than 10 people die from rabies each year in the United States, primarily due to encounters with wild animals, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, which carry the virus. The case in Michigan is especially rare, as rabies transmission through organ transplants is exceedingly uncommon.
While rabid dogs are rare in the United States, the virus still poses a significant threat, with three out of four Americans living in areas where wild animals may carry the disease. The CDC estimates that 60,000 people annually require medical treatment in the U.S. after potential exposure to rabies.
Global Risk and Prevention
Rabies is most common in certain regions of the world, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where rabid dogs pose a major health risk. Traveling to these areas increases the likelihood of exposure to the virus. However, rabies is preventable, and early medical intervention is highly effective. If treatment is started promptly, including wound care, human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of rabies vaccinations, the chances of survival are almost 100 percent.
Conclusion
The tragic rabies death in Michigan highlights the dangers of the virus, even in a country where rabid animal encounters are rare. While rabies remains a serious concern, particularly in specific geographic regions, the CDC’s efforts in providing early interventions and monitoring public health should help reduce the risks of future cases. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly those that can be transmitted through organ transplants.
