CDC Tracks Rising Rabies Exposures Across the US
CDC Tracks Rising Rabies Exposures Across the US
US · Published Sep 15, 2026
The CDC is warning that human rabies exposures are increasing across the US, with rabies-related inquiries rising 17% from July through August 2026 compared with the same period in
At least eight state health departments also reported increased use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin, but infection can be prevented when PEP is given before symptoms appear. More than 300 people in North Carolina were exposed to rabid baby goats this summer.

Why It's Important?

The increasing trend in rabies exposures carries profound public health implications. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and it is almost universally fatal once symptoms develop. The near 100% fatality rate highlights the critical importance of timely intervention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a highly effective series of treatments that can prevent the virus from reaching the brain and causing disease, but it must be administered before the onset of symptoms. The rise in exposures suggests increased contact between humans and potentially rabid animals, necessitating greater public awareness and vigilance. Incidents like the one involving baby goats in North Carolina serve as stark reminders of how easily these exposures can occur, often through seemingly innocuous interactions. Ensuring widespread access to and prompt administration of PEP is paramount to averting tragic outcomes and controlling the spread of this devastating disease.

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