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Rabies Tragedy: Transplant Leads to Two Fatalities

12/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In October 2024, an Idaho man died of rabies after a scratch from a rabid skunk.
His organs were donated, including a kidney transplanted into a Michigan man.
The kidney recipient developed rabies five weeks after the transplant and died.
The CDC notes organ donations are not routinely tested for rabies because it is rare.

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Story summary

In October 2024, an Idaho man died of rabies after a scratch from a rabid skunk.
His organs were donated, including a kidney transplanted into a Michigan man.
The kidney recipient developed rabies five weeks after the transplant and died.
The CDC notes organ donations are not routinely tested for rabies because it is rare.