Rare Case of Rabies Infection from Kidney Transplant Reported

A rare and unusual case of death due to rabies infection has been reported, resulting from a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. According to local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person recently succumbed to rabies contracted from the infected kidney.

Investigation and Confirmation

The rare death was first reported by WTOL, a media outlet based in Toledo, Ohio, and was confirmed by health officials in Michigan and Ohio, as well as the CDC. Authorities have stated that no one else is at risk of contracting rabies from the tainted procedure. Carl Schmidt, a deputy coroner with the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, confirmed the cause of death, stating, "The cause of death is rabies and complications. The diagnosis was confirmed by sending tissue to the CDC."

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that can affect the brain and spinal cord of most mammals. It is often fatal if left untreated, with symptoms including aggression, disorientation, and a strong fear of water. However, timely treatment can prevent death, and post-exposure prophylaxis, a combination of the rabies vaccine and donated antibodies, is available.

Transmission and Prevalence

The virus typically spreads through the saliva of infected animals, often through bites or scratches. While widespread vaccination programs and improved animal control have made rabies a rare occurrence in much of the world, with fewer than 10 deaths reported annually in the U.S., Americans can still contract the disease, usually from bats or other infected wildlife. Fatal cases of rabies transmitted via transplantation are extremely rare.

Previous Cases and Investigation

The last reported death in the U.S. due to rabies transmission via transplantation occurred in 2013, involving a Maryland resident. In 2004, a cluster of four deaths in Texas was traced back to a single deceased donor. The CDC has noted that donors are not typically tested for rabies unless it is suspected, as laboratory testing is not routinely performed due to the difficulty in confirming results within the short time frame available to keep the organs viable for transplantation.

Current Case and Response

The recipient in this latest case received their transplant in December 2024 and died from their infection in January 2025. Health officials have conducted an investigation and determined that there is no further risk of rabies from the exposure. The University of Toledo Medical Center, where the procedure was performed, has stated that all best practices and standard safety protocols were followed, and no issues with the transplant procedure were identified.

Conclusion

In a statement, the University of Toledo Medical Center said, "The health system has worked closely with public health authorities and has conducted a thorough review of this case, which found all best practices and standard safety protocols were appropriately followed." This rare and tragic case appears to be an extremely unusual freak occurrence, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in organ transplantation.