ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is reporting a rare human rabies death, just the fourth confirmed in the state since 2000.
MDH says the person who died was over the age of 65 and was exposed to a bat in western Minnesota back in July. The diagnosis of rabies was confirmed on Sept. 20 based on testing done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta.
State health officials say they are working with the patient's family and the healthcare facility where that person was treated to determine whether there was additional exposure to the rabies virus and determine whether additional people need to be treated.
At this time, MDH says, there is no ongoing risk to the general public.
The rare death is a reminder that bats in Minnesota can carry rabies, and people should avoid contact with them whenever possible. If a person has physical contact with a bat or one is found in the room of a sleeping person, that bat should be safely captured and taken in for rabies testing. Health officials say a bat's teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt, and may not leave a noticeable mark.
MDH says if left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal but treatment has proven to be nearly 100% effective at preventing the disease after an exposure.
For more on rabies, how to safely capture a bat and other information on the topic, check out the MDH website. You can also call the department during normal business hours at 651-201-5414.
