United States: On Friday, Local health officials in Northern Kentucky reported the death of one person due to rabies.
Some unspecified people reported to have been bitten by rabid animals died after they had been treated in both Kentucky and Ohio.
More about the news
What is unclear, however, is where the rabies exposure occurred, but authorities claim that the exposure could have been done while in other countries.
At present, the source of their rabies exposure cannot be identified, and it may have happened in other foreign countries.
Kentucky health officials announce a human death from rabies in a Northern Kentucky resident pic.twitter.com/qM7gEo4oS1
— Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services (@CHFSKy) December 28, 2024
About Rabies
Rabies is most often transmitted by the bite of an infected animal, contact with saliva, or infected mucous from the mouth, nose, eyes, or any break in the skin.
Although the virus can infect any mammal, bats, and skunks are the most widespread in Kentucky.
According to Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH), “Rabies is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that infects the brain,” wcpo.com reported.
“Unfortunately, if left untreated, rabies is usually fatal,” Stack added.
Investigation of the case
Currently, the KDPH, Northern Kentucky Health Department, Ohio Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been investigating the case.
The authorities informed that if someone suspects that they get in touch with a sick wild animal either by a bite or a scratch, they should see a doctor immediately.