A Skunk Scratch Leads to a Rare and Deadly Outcome

In a small town in Idaho, a seemingly innocuous incident involving a skunk and a kitten set off a chain of events that ultimately resulted in two deaths. The man who was scratched by the skunk later fell ill and passed away. Tragically, he had donated a kidney to a man in Michigan, who also became sick and died. This rare case marks the fourth instance in the United States where rabies has been transmitted through an organ transplant since 1978.

The Chain of Events

The disease in question is rabies, typically spread through the bite of an infected animal. In this case, it is believed that a rabid bat bit a skunk, which then scratched the man. The man's kidney was later transplanted into another person, who subsequently fell ill and died. Tests revealed the presence of the rabies virus in the recipient's saliva, skin, and brain tissue.

Symptoms and Timeline

• The man from Idaho began experiencing symptoms approximately six weeks after the skunk scratch. He suffered from difficulty swallowing, walking, and hallucinations before succumbing to the disease.
• The recipient of the kidney in Michigan also started feeling sick about six weeks post-transplant and eventually died.

Precautionary Measures

The man's corneas were donated to three individuals in California, Idaho, and New Mexico. As a precaution, these corneas were removed. A fourth cornea intended for a recipient in Missouri was also cancelled. All three individuals who received the corneas were reported to be healthy and showed no symptoms of the disease.

Importance of Screening and Awareness

This case underscores the critical need for thorough screening and testing of organ donors. It serves as a stark reminder that even though rabies is rare, it remains a serious disease capable of spreading in unexpected ways. The incident highlights how a simple event can have far-reaching and tragic consequences.