Multiple California counties report high number of rabid animals

Key Points:

• The CDC has issued a nationwide warning after a 76% increase in people receiving rabies immunoglobulin shots and a 33% rise in rabies vaccinations compared to last year, signaling more frequent exposure to the disease.
• California counties, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego, are reporting significant increases in rabid animals, particularly bats, with some areas seeing rabid bat detections double or more compared to previous years.
• Health officials emphasize that anyone bitten, scratched, or potentially exposed to a rabid animal should promptly seek medical care for rabies immunoglobulin and vaccination, which are critical to preventing the nearly always fatal disease.
• Experts note that while rabies was historically linked to dogs, current exposures primarily come from wild animals like bats, and timely post-exposure prophylaxis is essential for preventing infection.
• Due to the severity of rabies, medical professionals recommend immediate treatment even after minor potential exposures, such as a bat flying near a person, to avoid fatal neurological damage.