CDC issues health alert over summer rise in rabies exposures
The CDC warned doctors and the public about an increase in rabies cases and related human exposures this summer, urging prompt post-exposure treatment and caution around wildlife.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a health advisory on Thursday after a surge in rabies cases among wildlife led to more human exposures across the United States this summer. The agency asked physicians to remain vigilant for possible exposures and to administer post-exposure prophylaxis, including rabies immune globulin and a series of four vaccine doses, as soon as needed.
The advisory, distributed through the CDC’s Health Alert Network, also urged the public to avoid contact with wild or sick mammals and to seek medical care promptly after any bite or scratch. It highlighted that rabies, while rare, is fatal if symptoms develop and is most commonly transmitted by raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes.
The warning follows a recent incident in North Carolina where three baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive for rabies after being bitten by a skunk. State officials recommended rabies vaccinations for more than 260 people who may have been exposed, and the zoo euthanized four goats to prevent further spread.
"Several high-profile rabies outbreaks and mass rabies exposure events have highlighted the importance of performing careful rabies risk assessments and following evidence-based recommendations for administering PEP," the CDC said.
From July through August, the CDC recorded a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries compared with the same period last year and noted reports from at least eight states of heightened use of rabies shots and occasional administration errors. While more than 6 million animal bites are reported annually in the U.S., fewer than 10 people die from rabies each year, thanks to pet vaccination programs, animal control measures and timely human treatment.
The agency reminded people that summer activities raise the likelihood of wildlife encounters and advised washing any bites or scratches with soap and water, keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, and contacting local animal control if a wild animal appears ill or injured.