Minnesotan Dies from Rabies: Understanding the Risks Without Panic

A rare death from rabies occurred in Minnesota this past July, marking the seventh fatal case in the state in more than 100 years. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed that the individual, over the age of 65, contracted the rabies disease after exposure to a bat in western Minnesota. While the death is tragic, health officials are urging the public not to panic, emphasizing that rabies remains an exceptionally rare occurrence, especially with the availability of a rabies vaccine.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly bats and skunks in Minnesota. Once symptoms of rabies develop, the disease is almost always fatal, making it crucial to seek treatment immediately after potential exposure.

Rabies in Minnesota: A Rare Occurrence

Since tracking began over a century ago, there have only been seven confirmed deaths from rabies in Minnesota. The most recent death, reported in September 2024, is a stark reminder of the importance of understanding this virus. Despite this rare fatality, the MDH reassures the public that rabies deaths are extremely uncommon in Minnesota and the U.S. as a whole. In fact, most rabies cases in the U.S. can be prevented with early medical intervention.

According to MDH, 70% of human rabies cases in the U.S. are linked to bats. In Minnesota, skunks are also known to carry the virus, although they pose a more significant threat to pets and livestock than to humans.

The Importance of Rabies Treatment

Treatment for rabies exposure is highly effective when administered promptly. If you’ve been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, you should immediately seek medical attention. Rabies treatment typically involves an injection of rabies immune globulin and a series of four doses of the rabies vaccine spread out over two weeks. This combination of treatments helps prevent the rabies virus from taking hold in the body by giving it the antibodies needed to fight the infection.

It's important to note that those who have already been vaccinated for rabies may not require the immune globulin injection. However, everyone exposed to a potentially rabid animal should receive the rabies vaccine. This treatment is almost 100% effective at preventing the rabies disease from progressing if given before symptoms appear.

Rabies in Pets and Livestock

While rabies is rare in humans, it can be more prevalent among animals, particularly pets and livestock. Skunks, in particular, pose a significant risk to animals in Minnesota. Fortunately, rabies vaccine for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals is readily available and should be administered regularly as a preventative measure.

State health officials encourage pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccine for dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle, and sheep is available and is a critical step in protecting not only the animals but also their owners from potential exposure to rabies.

What to Do If You Encounter a Bat or Skunk

Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Minnesota, and even a tiny, unnoticed bite can lead to infection. The MDH recommends avoiding contact with bats whenever possible and being cautious when they are found indoors, particularly in rooms where someone has been sleeping, unattended children, or individuals with communication challenges.

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to a bat or skunk, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider or the MDH. In situations where a bat is found inside, health officials recommend safely capturing it and sending it to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing. However, always avoid touching bats with your bare hands.

The MDH offers a helpful video tutorial on how to safely capture a bat for testing, ensuring that you or anyone in your household avoids direct contact with the animal.

Why You Shouldn’t Panic About Rabies

While a human death from rabies can sound alarming, the overall risk to the general public remains extremely low. The rabies vaccine is widely available and highly effective at preventing the disease. Even in cases where a person has been bitten by a rabid animal, immediate medical attention can prevent the onset of rabies.

In Minnesota, rabies cases are exceedingly rare. The recent death is only the seventh in more than a century, with previous fatalities occurring in 1917, 1964, 1975, 2000, 2007, and 2021. In the cases from 2000 and 2007, neither of the victims sought medical attention after being bitten by bats, emphasizing the critical importance of receiving prompt rabies treatment.

Rabies-related fatalities have dramatically declined in the last 100 years. In the early 1900s, more than 100 people died from rabies annually in the U.S., but today, there are fewer than five deaths per year, thanks to widespread availability of the rabies virus vaccine.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you know has been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. The MDH offers a detailed flowchart to help guide individuals on whether they may have been exposed and what steps to take. In most cases, immediate treatment is key to preventing the disease, but the good news is that rabies treatment can still be effective even if started days or weeks after exposure, provided symptoms have not yet developed.

For any concerns or questions about rabies exposure, the MDH is available to provide guidance. You can contact them Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 651-201-5414.

Conclusion

Rabies is a serious but preventable disease. While the recent rabies-related death in Minnesota is tragic, it serves as a reminder of the importance of early treatment and vaccination. By staying informed and taking the proper precautions, you can protect yourself, your pets, and your loved ones from the rabies disease.