### Minnesota Records Rare Fatal Rabies Case Tied to Bat Exposure

A tragic case of rabies resulted in the death of a Minnesota resident this week, marking only the fifth fatal human rabies incident in the state since 1975, according to health officials.

The Minnesota Department of Health announced on Friday that they are continuing to investigate the specifics surrounding the death. Although it is not explicitly confirmed that a bat caused the infection, it was confirmed that the patient had an encounter with a bat in July. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) verified the rabies diagnosis earlier this month. Despite the sad occurrence, the department reassures that there is no public health risk.

Rabies fatalities are notably rare in the United States, with fewer than 10 deaths annually, as reported by the CDC. Notably, 70 percent of these deaths are linked to bat exposures. Historical data from Minnesota show human rabies cases were recorded in 1917, 1964, 1975, 2000, 2007, and 2021, all proving fatal.

“If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal,” the Minnesota Department of Health warned. They emphasized that prompt medical intervention post-exposure could almost guarantee prevention of the disease. However, the treatment must commence before rabies symptoms emerge.

The deceased patient, who was over 65 years old, has not been publicly identified by gender, residence, or the exact nature of the bat interaction. Efforts to obtain further details from the Minnesota Health Department and the CDC have yet to yield a response.

This recent death highlights the importance of immediate treatment after potential rabies exposure. The typical medical protocol involves an injection of rabies immune globulin and a series of four rabies vaccine doses administered over two weeks. Preventative vaccines are generally advised only for individuals at high risk, such as those in professions involving consistent animal contact or travelers to regions where rabies is common.

The incubation period for rabies varies, ranging from as short as one week to over a year, contingent on factors like the entry point and viral load. Initial symptoms might include fever, pain, and unusual sensations at the wound site. If untreated, the virus can cause fatal inflammation of the central nervous system.

Interestingly, bats' tiny teeth often leave barely noticeable bite marks, sometimes leaving victims unaware of being bitten. This underlines the importance of vigilance and immediate medical attention following any potential bat encounter.

Pets are also susceptible to rabies, which is why many local governments mandate rabies vaccinations for domestic animals. This precaution helps mitigate the spread of the deadly virus among both pets and humans.