In an alarming breach of organ transplant safety, a Michigan man has died from rabies transmitted through a kidney, raising questions about donor screening protocols.
Story Highlights
- A Michigan man died after receiving a rabies-infected kidney from a donor with prior wildlife exposure.
- The donor was scratched by a skunk and bitten by a bat, but no rabies test was performed.
- CDC confirmed the rabies infection, highlighting gaps in organ donation screening.
- Other recipients of the donor’s organs remain healthy after receiving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The Incident and Its Implications
A Michigan man, suffering from chronic kidney disease, received a kidney transplant in 2024. The donor, from another state, had a history of a skunk scratch and a bat bite. Unfortunately, this wildlife exposure was not thoroughly investigated, and the kidney was transplanted without rabies testing. Within months, the recipient developed neurologic symptoms, leading to a confirmed rabies diagnosis by the CDC. This tragic event underscores significant vulnerabilities in the organ donation process, particularly concerning rare zoonotic infections.
Rabies, a nearly 100% fatal disease once symptoms manifest, is largely preventable with timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The other organ recipients from the same donor were identified quickly and administered PEP, demonstrating the effectiveness of rapid response in preventing further fatalities. However, this case highlights the critical need for enhanced donor screening protocols, especially when wildlife exposure is involved. The existing guidelines failed to prevent this rare but deadly transmission, prompting a review of current practices.
Michigan man dies of rabies he contracted from transplant donor infected while saving kitten from skunk: CDC https://t.co/pAtmOiXg6r pic.twitter.com/fsQHqk9lGd
— New York Post (@nypost) December 9, 2025
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Challenges in Organ Donation Safety
Organ donation in the U.S. involves intricate coordination between hospitals, organ procurement organizations (OPOs), and national networks like the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). While the system aims to maximize organ use, it often relies on limited information and rapid decision-making. This incident has brought to light the challenges faced in accurately assessing donor eligibility when rare infectious diseases are involved. It also raises questions about the balance between organ availability and safety, urging a reevaluation of donor screening practices.
Historically, rabies transmission through solid-organ transplants is extraordinarily rare, with only a handful of documented cases. This rarity has contributed to the absence of routine rabies testing in the donor screening process, due to feasibility and cost concerns. Yet, as this case illustrates, even rare diseases can have catastrophic consequences. A more rigorous approach to donor evaluation, including a detailed examination of any wildlife exposure, may be necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Regulatory and Public Health Considerations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities are now focused on learning from this incident to improve transplant safety. While punitive actions have not been publicly indicated, the emphasis remains on reviewing protocols and educating healthcare providers about potential rabies risks in organ donors. The case also serves as a cautionary tale for the public and professionals, reinforcing the need for vigilance in organ transplant safety.
As the investigation continues, the transplantation community must address the apparent communication gaps that allowed this rabies transmission to occur. The focus is now on refining guidance for donor evaluation, particularly for those with unexplained neurological symptoms and wildlife exposure. The ultimate goal is to enhance the safety of organ transplants while maintaining the confidence of both recipients and the general public in the transplantation system.
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Sources:
Rabies Kills Michigan Man After Kidney Transplant: CDC Confirms Connection to Skunk and Bat
