An investigation into the case of a Michigan man who contracted rabies after an organ transplant has provided more details on how the organ donor became infected – and who else was exposed.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report issued Dec. 4 reviewed the circumstances of the case that had become public in March. They found that the organ donor had a previously undiagnosed case of rabies – a rare situation that has been confirmed only four times since 1978. Initial testing of the donor had not detected the virus, the report said.

The Michigan man was the only organ recipient from this case who has died.

Three other recipients were given preventative treatment and have so far shown no symptoms, the report said.

The CDC explains that rabies is a viral disease that

See Full Page