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CDC Reports Summer Surge in Rabies Cases
Newser • • health
Key Points:
- The CDC has issued a health alert about a nationwide increase in rabies cases in animals, leading to more potential human exposures this summer.
- Rabies, transmitted mainly through bites or scratches from infected wildlife such as bats and raccoons, is almost always fatal once symptoms develop but preventable with prompt post-exposure treatment.
- A recent incident in North Carolina involving rabid baby goats at a petting zoo led to over 260 people being advised to get rabies shots, highlighting the seriousness of the outbreak.
- From July to August, rabies-related inquiries to the CDC increased by 17% compared to last year, with several states reporting treatment errors or excessive vaccine use.
- The CDC recommends avoiding wild or sick animals, keeping pets vaccinated, thoroughly washing any bites or scratches, and seeking immediate medical care; Hawaii remains the only rabies-free state.
