Fatal Rabies Transmission Through Kidney Transplant: Rare Case Highlights Organ Donation Risks

Dec 10, 2025 05:42 pm CST

A Michigan man died of rabies after receiving a kidney from a donor who had been scratched by a skunk. This exceptionally rare case of rabies transmission through organ transplantation highlights important screening gaps in the organ donation process, as donors are not routinely tested for rabies despite potential risks.