Nebraskan dies after possible rabies infection, officials say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A death in the Nebraska Panhandle is being investigated after officials say the person may of had rabies.

Officials in the Panhandle Public Health District said there is no risk to the public at large, but any family members or health care workers suspected of being in contact with the person are being checked out.

Those deemed at risk are being offered post-exposure measure to ward off the virus, according to officials.

The health district said rabies deaths are rare in humans, with fewer than 10 in the U.S. each year.

But the district said rabies is a serious public health threat due to its high death rate in people.