Investigation and Health Response
A resident died of rabies in January 2025 after receiving an organ transplant in in December 2024, marking a rare case of transmission through a transplanted organ.
The , in collaboration with the and the , confirmed the rabies infection and ensured no further public health threat, providing post-exposure preventive care to those possibly exposed.
Organ Donation and Rabies
The organ donor, not a resident of Michigan or Ohio, had been exposed to a wild animal in Idaho five weeks before their death. Corneal grafts from the donor were implanted in three patients across different states, all of whom received preventive treatment and remain healthy.
Rabies transmission through organ transplantation is extremely rare, with this case being the first documented rabies case in Michigan since 2009. The incident underscores the importance of thorough donor screening and awareness of rabies as a potential risk.