CDC issues advisory as rabies exposures rise, bats dominate California cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory on Sept. 10 following a rise in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. The advisory also highlighted concerns about errors in administering rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

In California, state health data show that bats comprised about 92% of the 252 rabid animals reported between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, with 232 bats, 19 skunks and one dog confirmed positive. Experts note that bat bites can be hard to detect because of the animals' small teeth, raising particular risk for young children who may be unable to report contact.

Sutter County animal services reported three rabies-positive bats since late July, including a recent case on Sept. 8 involving a child who may have been exposed. The state's provisional rabies statistics, current through Aug. 31, do not yet reflect these latest incidents.

CDC data show a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries from July to August compared with the same period last year, and a 33% rise in rabies vaccine usage according to pharmacy reports. Nationwide, the agency estimates roughly 1.4 million people seek medical care after animal contact each year, with about 100,000 receiving PEP.

Health officials advise avoiding contact with wildlife, especially animals that appear sick, injured or dead, and to be cautious of nocturnal species seen during daylight. For unvaccinated individuals, PEP typically includes rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin, which is most effective when administered promptly after exposure. The CDC recommends washing any wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and seeking medical advice immediately after potential exposure, particularly when bats are involved.