Human rabies exposures in US communities have increased since July, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a new health advisory. The agency reported more encounters with rabid or potentially rabid animals in several states, along with errors in administering rabies, the preventive treatment given after a possible exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
From July through August 2026, the CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025. At least eight state health departments also reported increased PEP use, PEP administration errors, or both.
Rabid Animals Drive Summer Rabies Exposures in the US
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is nearly 100% fatal after symptoms begin. However, timely and appropriate treatment can prevent the disease from developing. The virus can spread through bites, scratches or contact with infected animals’ oral secretions.
Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are among the wildlife species most commonly associated with human rabies exposures in US. Summer activity can also increase opportunities for people to encounter wildlife outdoors.
Human rabies cases in US states are continuously rising, prompting concern. In North Carolina, three baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive for rabies after reportedly being bitten by a skunk. More than 260 people were recommended to receive rabies shots after potentially coming into contact with the animals.
Human rabies cases in Massachusetts have led to a rabies task force that has also used helicopters to distribute edible vaccine packets to wildlife in an effort to reduce transmission among wild animals.
Rabies Exposure Treatment Requires Rapid Risk Assessment
Not every encounter with an animal requires rabies exposure treatment. Healthcare professionals and public health officials assess the circumstances before determining whether PEP is appropriate.
The rabies risk assessment can consider:
- The animal involved and its likelihood of carrying rabies
- Whether the animal showed signs consistent with rabies
- The type and severity of the wound
- Whether the animal can be tested or observed
- The person’s previous rabies vaccination history
The CDC generally does not recommend PEP when an animal can undergo the appropriate 10-day observation, tests negative for rabies, or health officials determine that the encounter did not pose a rabies risk.
Rise in PEP Use Amid Human Rabies Exposures in US
The increase in human rabies exposures in US has also been reflected in demand for rabies-related products. CDC data through September 2 showed estimated utilization of rabies vaccines was 33% higher, while rabies immunoglobulin use increased 76% compared with the same period last year.
The agency said there is currently no shortage of human rabies vaccine or human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) in the United States.
Each year, an estimated 1.4 million people seek medical care after animal contact, while about 100,000 receive rabies PEP following a potential exposure. A typical PEP course can cost between $11,000 and $14,000, making accurate exposure assessment important for both patient safety and healthcare costs.
Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Errors Raise Concern
The CDC is also warning healthcare providers about mistakes in administering rabies PEP.
Common PEP errors include,
- Giving the rabies vaccine in the wrong anatomical site
- Failing to place HRIG around identifiable wounds
- Using an incorrect vaccine schedule
- Giving HRIG to someone who was previously vaccinated
For people who have never received rabies vaccination, PEP includes HRIG and a rabies vaccine series. Previously vaccinated people generally receive two vaccine doses and should not receive HRIG. The CDC recommends that clinicians follow ACIP guidance when determining the appropriate regimen.
The agency emphasized the importance of following evidence-based recommendations for PEP administration.
Important Measures After A Possible Rabies Exposure
People who are bitten or scratched by wildlife or a potentially rabid animal should act quickly.
The CDC recommends:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes.
- Seek advice from a healthcare professional or public health authority.
- Provide details about the animal and how the contact occurred.
- Avoid approaching sick, injured or dead wildlife.
- Keep pets vaccinated against rabies and away from wildlife when possible.
The CDC rabies alert does not mean that human rabies exposures in US states are widespread. Instead, the increase in reported exposures and PEP activity underscores the continuing rabies exposure risk. Prompt assessment and appropriate rabies treatment remain critical.
