Michigan Resident Dies from Rabies After Organ Transplant, Health Officials Confirm

Lansing, MI – A Michigan resident has died from rabies after receiving a transplanted organ, marking a rare case of transmission through organ donation, state health officials announced Thursday.

The unidentified patient underwent the transplant procedure in December at a hospital in Ohio and succumbed to the virus in January, according to Lynn Sutfin, spokesperson for Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

“A public health investigation determined they contracted rabies through the transplanted organ,” Sutfin said in a statement.

Health officials have not disclosed the recipient’s identity or the type of organ that was transplanted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the rabies diagnosis through its Rabies Laboratory, and health departments in both Michigan and Ohio collaborated closely on the investigation.

“Health officials worked together to ensure that people, including health care providers, who were in contact with the Michigan individual were assessed for possible exposure to rabies,” Sutfin added. “Post-exposure preventive care, if appropriate, has been provided.”

The patient had been receiving care in Lucas County, Ohio, where they ultimately passed away.

Despite the tragic case, a multi-state public health investigation determined that there is no ongoing risk to the general public, health officials confirmed.

Rabies transmission through organ donation is extremely rare, but it has occurred in previous cases. Health authorities continue to review organ screening procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.