The Kentucky Department of Public Health announced Friday that a northern Kentucky resident has died after contracting rabies. Health officials have not released the name or location of the deceased, but said the rabies infection may have come from outside the United States. Investigation into the source of this person’s rabies infection is ongoing. The Kentucky Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Northern Kentucky Health Department, and Ohio Department of Health are investigating the incident. “It is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that infects the brain,” said KDPH Director Dr. Steven Stack. “Unfortunately, if rabies is left untreated, it usually results in death.” If infected, it is important to seek medical care immediately.” According to CDC data, fewer than 10 deaths have been reported from rabies. every year in America. According to the same data, approximately 4,000 animal rabies cases are reported each year, mostly from bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Health officials say human-to-human transmission of rabies is rare, but KDPH is working with people who may have come into contact with the rabies. The last rabies infection in a Kentucky resident was reported in 1996, according to KDPH.
The Kentucky Department of Public Health announced Friday that a Northern Kentucky resident has died after being exposed to rabies.
Health officials did not release the names or locations of the deaths, but said the rabies infection may have come from outside the United States.
An investigation into the source of this person’s rabies infection is ongoing.
The Kentucky Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Northern Kentucky Health Department, and Ohio Department of Health are investigating the incident.
“Rabies is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that infects the brain,” said KDPH Director Dr. Steven Stack. “Unfortunately, if rabies is left untreated, it usually results in death. Rabies treatment, called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is nearly 100% effective in preventing rabies, so if rabies exposure is If you suspect this, it is important to seek medical care immediately.”
According to Data from CDCFewer than 10 rabies deaths are reported in the United States each year.
According to the same data, approximately 4,000 animal rabies cases are reported each year, mostly from bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Health officials say human-to-human transmission of rabies is rare, but KDPH is working with people who may have come into contact with the deceased to ensure they receive the necessary treatment if needed. said.
The last rabies infection in a Kentucky resident was reported in 1996, according to KDPH.
