Story Highlight
- CDC warns of increased exposure to potentially rabid animals this year.
- Rabies vaccine usage rose by 33 percent, immune globulin by 76 percent.
- Two notable exposure clusters involved rabid beavers and baby goats.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis is standard treatment after potential rabies exposure.
- Immediate wound care and professional consultation are strongly advised.
Full Story
Federal health officials in the United States have raised concerns about an increase in encounters with potentially rabid animals this year. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network advisory on September 10, 2026, indicating a 17 percent rise in rabies-related inquiries from July to August compared to the same timeframe in 2025. Data from pharmacies through September 2 revealed a 33 percent increase in rabies vaccine use and a 76 percent increase in the use of human rabies immune globulin, which is administered alongside the vaccine.
Eight state health departments reported similar trends, particularly errors in the administration of rabies treatment. The CDC has urged healthcare providers to conduct thorough, evidence-based risk assessments for every potential exposure. Rabies is transmitted via the saliva of infected mammals, primarily through bites and scratches, and is known to affect the brain and spinal cord. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies becomes nearly always fatal, although it is nearly fully preventable with timely vaccination before symptoms develop.
Two notable clusters of rabies exposure were reported this summer. In Maryland, three individuals were attacked by rabid beavers in state parks. In North Carolina, close to 300 people may have been exposed to rabid baby goats from a mobile petting zoo that made at least ten visits between July 28 and August 27, 2026. Health officials in North Carolina recommended post-exposure treatment for 213 individuals related to this incident, with the goats suspected to have contracted the virus from a skunk.
Wildlife remains the primary source of rabies risk in the United States, with bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes being the main carriers of the disease. Due to the often subtle nature of bat bites, the CDC advises treating any close encounter with bats as a potential exposure.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the standard treatment following a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal. Approximately 100,000 individuals in the US receive this treatment annually, with the full course costing between £11,000 and £14,000 per person. The CDC recommends a sequence of four vaccine doses for those who have never been vaccinated, while previously vaccinated individuals might need only two doses. Those with weakened immune systems may require additional doses and testing to confirm the efficacy of the vaccination.
Early symptoms of rabies include weakness, fever, headache, and local discomfort or tingling at the site of the bite, which can be mistaken for flu-like symptoms. The CDC advises anyone bitten or scratched by a wild mammal, an unfamiliar pet, or a bat to seek immediate medical care.
In the event of a bite or scratch, individuals should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes and then contact their healthcare provider or local health department for a risk assessment. It is essential to keep pets up to date with their rabies vaccinations and to avoid handling wild or stray animals acting strangely or active during unusual hours. Encountering a bat in a room or near a sleeping person should be treated as a possible exposure requiring prompt attention.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This article highlights the importance of risk assessment and preventive measures regarding rabies exposure. To mitigate risks, especially in environments like mobile petting zoos or parks, regular health and safety audits can be conducted in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Employers must ensure that they assess and monitor potential hazards related to animal interactions.
Furthermore, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 mandates a responsibility to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors. Training staff on recognizing and managing wildlife interactions, coupled with having clear emergency protocols for potential rabies exposure, is critical. For example, ensuring that staff can identify sick animals and understand the appropriate steps to take if an animal exhibits strange behavior would be a prudent measure.
Additionally, implementing a protocol for immediate reporting and response to any animal bites or suspicious encounters can considerably reduce the risk of exposure. Regular vaccination of animals involved in public interactions can further enhance safety, aligning with guidelines to keep both staff and the public safe from rabies and other zoonoses.
