United States—Across the United States, health officials are seeing a concerning increase in rabies exposures, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remind medical professionals and the public about the potentially deadly disease.
The CDC reported that it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than it did during the same period last year. The increase comes as several states have reported higher use of rabies prevention treatment following contact with animals capable of carrying the virus.
The warning highlights a disease that remains extremely dangerous once symptoms appear, even though infection can often be prevented when people receive appropriate medical treatment quickly after an exposure.
Rabies Exposure Reports Are Increasing
The latest CDC information points to increases in rabies-related activity in several parts of the country. Since July, multiple cities have reported local increases in human rabies exposures, involving both common rabies-carrying animals and species that are less frequently associated with the disease.
At least eight state health departments have also reported increases in administering rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PEP, or in errors involving PEP administration.
Normally, around 1.4 million people in the U.S. seek medical care each year after animal contact, while approximately 100,000 people receive rabies PEP.
Recent pharmacy data suggests that demand for rabies prevention products has climbed significantly. As of September 2, 2026, use of the two licensed rabies vaccines in the U.S. was estimated to be 33% higher than the same time last year. Use of the two licensed rabies immunoglobulins was even higher, increasing by an estimated 76%.
North Carolina Petting Zoo Exposure Raises Concern
One of the most notable incidents this summer occurred in North Carolina, where more than 300 people were exposed to rabid baby goats at a mobile petting zoo.
Following the exposure, at least 213 residents were recommended to receive post-exposure prophylaxis to help prevent rabies infection.
The incident demonstrates how exposure can happen in situations that may initially appear harmless. Rabies is most commonly associated with wildlife such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, but domestic and farm animals can also become infected.
The CDC’s warning comes as health officials work to ensure that people who may have been exposed are properly evaluated and treated.
Why Rabies Remains So Dangerous
Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease, meaning it can spread between animals and humans. The virus can be transmitted through bites, scratches or contact with infected oral secretions.
Once the virus reaches the central nervous system and symptoms begin, rabies is nearly 100% fatal. The disease can cause encephalitis and eventually death if treatment is not received before symptoms develop.
That makes recognizing a potential exposure especially important. A person who has been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies should seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.
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Fortunately, rabies infection can generally be prevented after an exposure when appropriate PEP is administered before symptoms begin.
CDC Warns About Treatment Errors
The CDC also emphasized that the U.S. is not experiencing a shortage of human rabies vaccines or rabies immunoglobulin.
Instead, health officials are reminding medical professionals to make accurate rabies risk assessments and administer PEP appropriately.
Mistakes in determining whether someone needs treatment or in administering the treatment can have consequences. According to the CDC, such errors can lead to unnecessary treatment, potential adverse effects and avoidable healthcare costs.
The financial impact can also be substantial. A typical course of rabies PEP can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person.
With rabies exposures increasing in several communities, health officials are urging appropriate medical evaluation after potentially risky animal contact.
Have you or someone you know ever had to receive rabies treatment after an animal bite or scratch? Share your experience in the comments and let us know what happened.