CDC

CDC: Rabies transmitted through organ transplant in U.S.

December 10, 2025

A multistate investigation confirmed rabies virus transmission from an organ donor to a kidney transplant recipient who died 51 days post-transplant. The donor had sustained a scratch from a skunk six weeks before death and developed encephalopathy; rabies virus RNA consistent with the silver-haired bat variant was detected in archived kidney tissue and recipient samples. Three cornea recipients underwent graft removal and received postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), remaining asymptomatic. Among 370 contacts, 46 were recommended for PEP. This is the fourth U.S. transplant-transmitted rabies case since 1978.

Clinical takeaway: Early public health consultation might help prevent donation of rabies-infected organs and tissue. PEP assessment should be considered when potential rabies exposures are identified in donors.

Source:

Earnest R, et al. (2025, December 4). CDC. Human-to-Human Rabies Transmission via Solid Organ Transplantation from a Donor with Undiagnosed Rabies — United States, October 2024–February 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7439a1.htm