Health Officials Investigating Northern Kentucky Death From Rabies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Northern Kentucky Health Department, and Kentucky state health officials are working together to determine how the individual contracted the virus and to identify anyone who may have been at risk.

Initial investigations suggest the possibility that the person may have contracted rabies while traveling outside the United States and brought the infection back to the country. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact source of the exposure.

Potential Exposure at Walmart

Local employees at the Florence Walmart on Houston Road have received notifications that they “may have been exposed to rabies.” According to sources, they have been asked to complete a survey to help assess their level of risk.

One employee’s family member, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed shock at the timing of the announcement, saying, “You know, 2025 is supposed to be a good year. To get news two days before the new year that you might have rabies… it’s a scary thought.”

The survey reportedly traces the potential exposure back to November 1.

Health Authorities Respond

Marilee McInnis, a spokeswoman for Walmart Global Communications, said, “The safety and well-being of our associates and customers is our priority, and we are in close contact with state health officials.”

Kentucky health officials released a statement from Lisa Lee Williams, Chief of Staff at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), who emphasized, “Ensuring public health and safety is our highest priority. Our team remains committed to conducting thorough investigations and providing accurate information to protect our communities. The source of the individual’s rabies exposure has not been identified at this time and may have occurred outside of the U.S. during international travel. The individual resides in Kenton County.”

Rabies in the U.S. and Abroad

In the United States, rabies is primarily transmitted by wild animals, such as raccoons and bats. In other parts of the world, rabies is more commonly spread by dogs.

Dr. Thomas Lamarre, an infectious disease specialist at Christ Hospital, explained, “Rabies is a very, very serious disease. It’s not treatable, but it’s completely preventable. It’s very rare, with only two to three cases reported per year in the U.S.”

While human-to-human transmission is exceedingly rare, rabies remains a fatal disease in nearly all cases once symptoms appear. “Once you develop symptoms, however, it’s essentially 100% fatal,” Dr. Lamarre added.

Preventing Rabies Exposure

Health officials emphasize that rabies can be prevented if exposure is recognized and treated promptly. “If you’re exposed, a vaccine and an antibody infusion can prevent the disease essentially 100% of the time,” Dr. Lamarre noted.

The Kentucky Health Department is continuing to evaluate the risk of exposure for Walmart employees and anyone else who may have come into contact with the deceased. Instructions will be provided to individuals based on their level of exposure.

Authorities urge anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to rabies to seek medical attention immediately.