CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

FRANKFORT — A Northern Kentucky resident has died from rabies, state health officials announced Friday, marking a rare human fatality from the virus in the United States.

The source of the individual’s rabies exposure remains unclear and may have occurred during international travel, officials said. The person who received medical care in both Kentucky and Ohio is the subject of an ongoing investigation involving the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Northern Kentucky Health Department, and the Ohio Department of Health.

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

Human-to-human transmission of rabies is exceedingly rare, but as a precaution, health officials are working to identify and evaluate anyone who may have been in contact with the infected individual to ensure they receive appropriate care.

Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals or when saliva or mucus from an infected animal enters the eyes, nose, mouth or open wounds. To reduce the risk of exposure, health officials emphasized the importance of keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations and avoiding contact with wild animals.

In Kentucky, bats and skunks are the most common carriers of the virus, though any mammal can be infected. Residents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, especially one displaying unusual behavior.

Thanks to widespread pet vaccination and wildlife control measures, human rabies infections in the U.S. are rare. The last confirmed case in a Kentucky resident occurred in 1996.

Officials stressed vigilance and urged the public to consult healthcare providers if they suspect exposure, particularly during interactions with wildlife.