Idaho man dies of rabies in first reported case since 1978, Department of Health says

BOISE, Idaho – An Idaho man has died of rabies in the state’s first reported case since 1978, according to a state health department press release.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, along with Central District Health, announced Thursday that an unidentified man from Boise came into contact with a bat after it flew near him and got stuck in her clothes. The man did not believe he was suffering from bites or scratches and did not seek further treatment.

The meeting took place in August and the man fell ill in October. He was hospitalized in Boise before he died, according to the state health department. Investigations after his death revealed that the man died of rabies.

The individual’s family members are being tested and monitored for possible exposure, the health service added.

FILE – Horde of bats flying in the air.

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Although it is rare, rabies can be transmitted to humans and animals through direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The virus can be transmitted if infected saliva comes in contact with injured skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth, according to the CDC.

Another type of transmission, which is extremely rare, is inhaling the “aerosolized rabies virus,” according to the CDC.

This tragic case shows how important it is for the people of Idaho to be aware of the risk of exposure to rabies, ”said Dr. Christine Hahn, State of Idaho epidemiologist. “Although deaths are rare, it is essential that people exposed to a bat receive appropriate treatment to prevent the onset of rabies as soon as possible.”

According to the CDC, about 5,000 cases of animal rabies are reported each year, and more than 90% of those cases occur in wild animals. Between 1960 and 2018, there were a total of 127 reported human rabies cases in the United States, and 70% of these were attributed to exposure to bats.

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Although human cases of rabies are rare, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, exposure to rabies is common in the United States, with approximately 60,000 Americans receiving post-exposure vaccines. every year.

“Idahoans are reminded that bats can be infected with rabies. While bats can be beneficial to our environment, people should be wary of any encounter with a bat, including waking up. with a bat in your bedroom, or any situation where there might have been a bite or scratch, ”said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, state public health veterinarian.

According to the state’s health department, 14 bats have tested positive for rabies in Idaho this year. In 2020, 11% of the 159 bats captured tested positive for rabies.

“Each year, several people and pets are exposed to rabies in our district, usually from spring to fall,” said Lindsay Haskell, director of the communicable disease control program at Central District Health. “We want our residents and visitors to Idaho to be made aware of the risk of rabies, to take appropriate steps to limit the risk, and to take action if necessary.”