CDC warns of rising rabies exposures across the US as deadly disease threat grows
The CDC said it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same time period in 2025.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- The CDC warns that human rabies exposures are on the rise across the U.S.
- The CDC said it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same time period in 2025.
- At least eight state health departments reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that human rabies exposures are on the rise across the U.S.
Since July, multiple cities have reported local increases in human rabies exposures involving known rabies vectors and animals that less commonly carry the disease.
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The CDC said it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same time period in 2025.
Signage outside the Center for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, US.
(Megan Varner/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
During the same time frame, at least eight state health departments reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies, PEP administration errors or both.
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Typically, about 1.4 million people in the U.S. seek medical care each year after animal contact, and approximately 100,000 people receive rabies PEP.
However, according to weekly pharmacy data as of Sept. 2, 2026, the use of the two rabies vaccines and two immunoglobulins licensed in the U.S. increased by an estimated 33% and 76%, respectively, compared to the same time last year.
Health officials in North Carolina are warning residents who had contact with baby goats at a mobile petting zoo after three of the animals tested positive for rabies.
(Lokman Ilhan/Anadolu Agency / Getty Images)
Just this summer, more than 300 people in North Carolina were exposed to rabid baby goats at a mobile petting zoo.
At least 213 residents were recommended post-exposure prophylaxis to help prevent infection.
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Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin. However, the disease can be prevented when PEP is administered before symptoms start.
Typically, about 1.4 million people in the U.S. seek medical care each year after animal contact, and approximately 100,000 people receive rabies PEP.
(Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times/Tribune News Service / Getty Images)
Rabies spreads to humans and other animals through bites, scratches or contact with infected oral secretions.
The disease ultimately affects the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis and death if medical care is not received promptly after exposure and before symptoms begin.
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Although there isn't a shortage of human rabies vaccines or human rabies immunoglobulin in the U.S., the CDC is reminding medical professionals to administer PEP appropriately.
A "Department of Health and Human Services" sign outside the Center for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Megan Varner/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
Errors in rabies risk assessment and PEP administration could result in unnecessary treatment, potential adverse effects and avoidable costs.
A typical course of PEP can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person. For more information, visit cdc.gov.