Since July, multiple cities have reported local increases in human rabies exposures involving known rabies vectors and animals<\/a> that less commonly carry the disease.<\/p>\n This 1,600-Pound Ocean Giant Just Went Somewhere No Other Ocearch-tagged Shark Has Ever Been<\/a><\/p>\n The CDC said it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same time period in 2025.<\/p>\n Signage outside the Center for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, US.<\/p>\n During the same time frame, at least eight state health<\/a> departments reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies, PEP administration errors or both.<\/p>\n Something Is Lurking Beneath The Everglades \u2014 And Florida’s Frogs And Salamanders Are At Risk<\/a><\/p>\n Typically, about 1.4 million people in the U.S. seek medical care each year after animal<\/a> contact, and approximately 100,000 people receive rabies PEP.<\/p>\n 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. <\/a>increased by an estimated 33% and 76%, respectively, compared to the same time last year.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Just this summer<\/a>, more than 300 people in North Carolina<\/a> were exposed to rabid baby goats at a mobile petting zoo.<\/p>\n At least 213 residents were recommended post-exposure prophylaxis to help prevent infection.<\/p>\n Baby Goats Test Positive For Rabies As Officials Seek People Who May Have Been Exposed<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Rabies spreads to humans and other animals<\/a> through bites, scratches or contact with infected oral secretions.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Flesh-eating Parasite In The Us As Cases Triple In Size<\/a><\/p>\n Although there isn’t a shortage of human rabies vaccines or human rabies immunoglobulin in the U.S., the CDC is reminding medical <\/a>professionals to administer PEP appropriately.<\/p>\n A “Department of Health and Human Services” sign outside the Center for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.<\/p>\n Errors in rabies risk assessment and PEP administration could result in unnecessary treatment, potential adverse effects and avoidable costs.<\/p>\n How To Watch Fox Weather<\/a><\/p>\n A typical course of PEP can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person. For more information, visit cdc.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Signage](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/fox_weather_articles_483\/63701472c4a4253a99e25943c91c2bfd.jpg\"\/)
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