Minnesotan dies after exposure to rabies from bats, health officials say

MINNEAPOLIS— State health officials say a Minnesotan has died due to exposure to rabies, a rare event that has happened only four times since 2000.

The Minnesota Department of Health says the deceased was 65 years old. They were exposed to a bat in western Minnesota in July and the rabies diagnosis was confirmed in September.

Officials say the case is an important reminder that bats in Minnesota can carry rabies. If someone is bitten by a bat, officials encourage the person to catch the bat and submit it for rabies testing.

Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated. The treatment has been shown to be nearly 100% effective at preventing the disease if someone is exposed to it, although it must begin before symptoms appear.

State health officials also say pets and livestock should be vaccinated against rabies.

In the United States, on average, fewer than five people die each year from rabies. About 70% of deaths are related to bat exposure. Previous cases in Minnesota occurred in 1917, 1964, 1975, 2000, 2007 and 2021, with the 2000 and 2007 cases involving people who were bitten by bats and did not seek medical attention.