MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota resident who came into contact with a bat in July died of rabies, the state’s department of health announced Friday.
The person’s death marks a rare occurrence, as fewer than 10 people in the the U.S. die from rabies each year, according to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The person is over the age of 65 and was exposed to a bat in western Minnesota in July, the Minnesota Department of Health said.
CDC officials confirmed the rabies diagnosis at its lab in Atlanta on Sept. 20. In a news release, the state health department said it was working to evaluate whether more people were exposed to the disease, but said there was no ongoing risk to the public
Officials said the fatal case advised the public to avoid contact with bats, whose teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt or even leave a noticeable mark.
Rabies is caused by a virus that invades the central nervous system and is usually fatal in animals and humans. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal. But rabies treatment has proven to be nearly highly effective at preventing the disease after an exposure, state health officials said. Treatment must be started before symptoms of rabies appear, they added.
Dr. Stacy Holzbauer, the state public health veterinarian, also advised people to get their household pets and livestock immunized against rabies.
The number of rabies-related human deaths in the U.S. has declined from more than 100 annually in the early 1900s to less than five cases annually in recent years, the health department. About 70% of infections acquired in the country are attributed to bat exposures.
A rare case of human death from rabies has been reported in Minnesota, sending shockwaves through the community and raising concerns about the deadly virus. The victim, a 10-year-old girl from rural Minnesota, was bitten by a bat in her family’s barn and tragically succumbed to the disease just weeks later.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a bat, raccoon, or skunk. In this case, the young girl’s family did not realize the severity of the situation until it was too late.
The rarity of human deaths from rabies in the United States makes this case particularly alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only one to three cases of human rabies reported each year in the country. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent exposure to rabies.
One of the most effective ways to prevent rabies is by vaccinating pets, such as dogs and cats, against the virus. It is also important to avoid contact with wild animals and to seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by an animal. In the case of a potential exposure to rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent the onset of the disease if administered promptly.
The Minnesota Department of Health is working closely with local health officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding this rare case of human death from rabies. They are also urging residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from this deadly virus.
As the community mourns the loss of the young girl, there is a renewed sense of awareness about the dangers of rabies and the importance of prevention. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can help prevent future tragedies like this one from occurring.
