Minnesota Senior Dies from Rare Rabies Infection After Bat Encounter

The elderly victim was exposed to a bat in July and succumbed to the disease in September, marking a rare U.S. rabies death.

A Minnesota resident over the age of 65 died from rabies after coming into contact with a bat in July.
Rabies was confirmed by the CDC on September 20, making it the fourth human rabies case in Minnesota since 2000.
Approximately 70% of U.S. rabies infections are attributed to bat exposures, although human rabies deaths have declined to fewer than five annually.
The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating potential exposure among family members and healthcare workers but states there is no ongoing public risk.
State health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with bats and ensuring pets and livestock are vaccinated against rabies.