The CDC is Sounding the Alarm Over an Increase in Rabies Cases
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory on Sept. 10, 2026, after the agency said it received an increase in human rabies exposure. The Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory was sent out due to a jump in reports in July 2026.
According to the alert, the agency was concerned after receiving these reports across multiple regions. The CDC also says that these increased reports involve animals that aren’t as commonly associated with rabies.
Additionally, there have been several “high-profile” rabies outbreaks, as well as mass exposure events, which are all leading the agency to remind the public about the risk. The alert is also aimed at the health agencies that are responsible for responding to these kinds of emergencies, since the CDC alert also said that there has been an increase in errors when it comes to how people are treated after being exposed.
Not only that, but the CDC is reminding everyone about the rabies vaccine, including how people should determine whether their risk of exposure is high enough to warrant taking the shot.
Rabies-Related Inquiries Are Up 17 Percent
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The Health Advisory reports that rabies-related inquiries spiked during the months of July and August, increasing by 17 percent when compared to the same time last year. In a typical year, 1.4 million people will seek medical care after a possible rabies exposure. Of them, around 100,000 people will receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
According to the health alert, the number of people receiving rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins has increased by 33 percent and 76 percent, respectively, when compared to the same dates in 2025.
There Have Been Multiple High-Profile Rabies Exposures Recently
For example, Newsweek reported that a family who rented a petting zoo for a party later found themselves in the hospital after learning that at least one of the goats at the party had tested positive for rabies. Not only that, but the outlet says that the petting zoo had been connected with other confirmed rabies cases. This prompted at least one partygoer to head to the hospital for PEP.
Another unusual rabies interaction happened in Atlantic County, New Jersey, when a homeowner was attacked by a rabid groundhog, according to NBC 10. Groundhogs aren’t among those animals typically associated with rabies (like bats and raccoons), which made the case more noteworthy for the agency.
Seek Medical Attention After Wild Animal Encounters
Again, while the risk to the general public is low, the CDC is taking this opportunity to remind people to avoid wild animals, especially if they are acting erratically or displaying unusual habits. Additionally, anyone who is bitten by one of these animals should immediately wash their wound with soap and hot water before calling a medical professional to find out what treatment they may require.
There is no cure for rabies, and it’s nearly 100 percent fatal once symptoms start.
