Delaware reports first rabies death since 1941

DOVER, Del. – Health officials say a Delaware woman has died from rabies, the first such death in the state since 1941.

The Delaware Division of Public Health said in a news release the unidentified woman lived in Kent County west of Felton.

According to the news release, the woman was admitted to a Delaware hospital in July after becoming ill. Officials say her condition quickly deteriorated and she was transferred to a Pennsylvania hospital for further treatment and testing.

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The woman died last week. Test results did not confirm the presence of rabies until recently, and the source of the disease hasn't been determined.

In 1941, a Newport boy died after being bitten by a stray dog.

Health and agriculture officials are asking residents to increase efforts to prevent exposure to rabies.