Northern Kentuckian with rabies dies

By Sarah Ladd
Kentucky Lantern

A Northern Kentuckian has died from rabies, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Friday.

It’s unclear how the person contracted rabies, which is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.

The person was treated both in Kentucky and Ohio, the department said, so both states are coordinating an investigation into the case with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials are also working to notify anyone who came in contact with the person, whose age and gender was not disclosed.

This is the first confirmed case of rabies infection in a human being in Kentucky since 1996, the public health department said.

“Rabies is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that infects the brain,” Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, if left untreated, rabies is usually fatal. Immediate medical care after a suspected exposure to rabies is critical, as rabies treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is nearly 100% effective at preventing rabies.”

Symptoms of rabies include confusion, agitation and coma. Anyone who comes across a wild animal should avoid contact, the health department advised. Pets should also stay up to date on vaccinations for protection against rabies.

Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to rabies should call their health care provider immediately.