Source: NBC News
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned healthcare providers about an increase in human rabies exposures following a summer spike in animal cases across the United States. From July through August, the CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025. At least eight state health departments also reported increased use of rabies post-exposure treatment or errors in administering it.
The warning follows an incident involving rabid baby goats at a North Carolina mobile petting zoo that potentially exposed hundreds of people. Rabies, usually transmitted through bites or scratches from infected mammals, is almost always fatal after symptoms develop. However, post-exposure prophylaxis is nearly 100% effective when administered promptly. Treatment generally includes human rabies immune globulin and at least four vaccine doses. The CDC advised people to avoid wildlife and sick mammals and seek immediate medical care following possible exposure to prevent infection.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rabies-exposure-cdc-warns-summer-spike-rcna597084