A recent incident in western Minnesota resulted in a rabies-related death, marking the fifth such case in the state since 1975, according to health officials. The individual, exposed to a bat earlier this year, died from the disease this week, prompting further investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, officials confirmed the patient's exposure to a bat in July. This case was officially diagnosed as rabies by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month. Health authorities have reassured the public that this incident does not pose a threat to wider public health.
Deaths due to rabies in the United States are rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported each year. Bats are identified as the primary source in approximately 70% of these cases. Historical data from the Minnesota Department of Health lists previous fatal cases in 1917, 1964, 1975, 2000, 2007 and 2021.
Health experts point out that rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, but with timely post-exposure treatment, the disease is nearly 100 percent preventable. Treatment involves an initial dose of rabies immunoglobulin followed by a series of rabies vaccines given over two weeks.
The recent victim was over the age of 65, although further personal details and the nature of the exposure to the bats were not disclosed. This event coincides with a similar case reported in Brantford, Ontario, marking the region's first case of domestic human rabies since 1967, also thought to be bat-related.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the critical importance of immediate treatment following potential rabies exposure. The rabies virus can incubate from a week to a year, depending on the point of entry and the amount of virus introduced. Early symptoms may be nonspecific and include fever, pain, and unusual sensations at the wound site.
Without timely intervention, the virus progresses to the central nervous system, leading to serious complications such as inflammation of the brain and ultimately death, usually due to brain damage or cardiac arrest. Since bat bites can be small and not always noticeable, awareness and timely medical consultation are crucial.
In light of these risks, preventive vaccinations are recommended in the United States for high-risk individuals, including those who raise animals or travel to areas where rabies is more common.
