Rare Human Rabies Death Reported in Minnesota
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is investigating a rare fatal case of human rabies.
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A news release issued by the Department says it’s the fourth known case of the disease reported in the state since 2000.
The CDC confirmed the diagnosis at its Atlanta headquarters on September 20. The date of the patient's passing or their home town has not been released.
Elderly Minnesotan Suffers Rare Human Rabies Death
Officials say the person who died from human rabies was over the age of 65 and was exposed to a bat in western Minnesota this past July. MDH says there is no risk to the public posed by the patient.
Officials say they’re working with the patient’s family and staff at the facilities that provided the person with medical care to determine if any of them were exposed to the disease and in need of treatment.
Health officials say the rare death is a reminder that bats in Minnesota can carry rabies and that the public should avoid contact with bats.
A person bitten by a bat may not be aware of the bite due to a bat’s small teeth, the news release says.
Anyone who is bitten by a bat or finds a bat in a sleeping area, child’s room, or in the presence of someone unable to communicate what happened is advised to capture the bat and submit the animal for testing. More information can be found on the rabies page on MDH’s website.
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