Exposure to rabies appears to be on the rise across the United States, according to an official health advisory published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From July through August, the agency received 17 percent more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period last year, alongside reports of mass exposure events involving wildlife and domestic animals.
CDC Issues Health Advisory Amid Rising Rabies Exposure Inquiries
The CDC health advisory, published on Thursday, highlights an increase in potential human rabies exposures across multiple United States jurisdictions. State health departments have reported localized surges involving known rabies vectors as well as animals where rabies is less commonly reported. According to the agency, this summer’s incidents include a mass exposure event in North Carolina involving nearly 300 people exposed to baby goats with rabies from a mobile petting zoo.
That mobile petting zoo made at least 10 visits between July 28 and August 27, stopping at assisted living centers and a back-to-school bash. In response, the state health department recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for 213 people to help prevent infection. The CDC noted that high-profile outbreaks and mass exposure events underscore the critical need for careful rabies risk assessments and adherence to evidence-based recommendations for administering preventative care.
Surge in Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Utilization and Administration Errors
Alongside rising inquiries, health officials have tracked a notable spike in medical treatments. According to the CDC, at least eight state health departments reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis care, administration errors, or both during July and August. Weekly pharmacy data as of September 2 reveal that utilization of the two licensed rabies vaccines and two rabies immunoglobulins in the United States surged by an estimated 33 percent and 76 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.
While the CDC confirmed there is currently no shortage of human rabies vaccine or human rabies immunoglobulin in the United States, clinicians face mounting pressure to administer treatments accurately. Errors in risk assessment or post-exposure prophylaxis administration can trigger unnecessary treatments, potential adverse effects, and avoidable costs. A typical course of post-exposure prophylaxis can cost between $18,900 and $24,100 per person, according to the federal agency.
Did you know? About 100,000 people are treated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis each year in the United States. While historical treatments involved up to 30 painful stomach shots, modern adults receive injections in the shoulder muscle, and children receive them in the thigh over a 14-day course.
Understanding Rabies Symptoms and the Timeline for Treatment
Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that is nearly 100 percent fatal once clinical signs appear, but it is entirely preventable when post-exposure prophylaxis is given appropriately before patient symptoms start. The virus primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is delayed. Symptoms can take up to two months to develop and typically begin with a headache, nausea, and sore throat before progressing to hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, paralysis, and coma.
According to the CDC, post-exposure prophylaxis is nearly 100 percent effective if administered after exposure but before symptoms manifest. Standard treatment starts with immediate wound care for any bite or scratch, followed by a dose of human rabies immunoglobulin and a series of rabies vaccines given on the first visit, as well as on days three, seven, and 14.
Wildlife Vectors and Prevention Strategies Across the United States
In the United States, more than 90 percent of reported rabies cases occur in wildlife. The virus is commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Contact with infected bats represents the leading cause of human rabies deaths nationwide, accounting for at least seven in 10 fatal cases. Estimates suggest that nearly three-quarters of Americans live in a community where animals carry rabies.
To curb transmission, wildlife management professionals in the United States distribute more than 5 million oral vaccines annually via baits, while veterinarians vaccinate over 90 million cats and dogs. The CDC recommends ensuring pets remain up to date on their rabies vaccines, staying away from wildlife, calling animal control to remove stray animals, washing any potential exposure sites immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes, and seeking urgent medical care following a possible exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do humans typically contract rabies?
An infected animal can spread rabies to humans and other animals through bites, scratches, or oral secretions such as saliva, according to the CDC.
What should I do immediately if I am bitten by an animal?
Immediately wash any wounds with water and soap for 15 minutes. Afterward, consult a doctor or public health professional to evaluate your risk and determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is necessary.
Are there shortages of rabies vaccines in the US?
No. The CDC stated that there is currently no shortage of human rabies vaccine or human rabies immunoglobulin in the United States.
Who is most at risk for rabies exposure?
Individuals with frequent animal contact—such as veterinary professionals, animal control workers, and wildlife researchers—face a higher risk, alongside outdoor enthusiasts and travelers visiting regions where canine rabies remains prevalent.
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