10/16/2026
The CDC has issued a nationwide health advisory after reporting a noticeable rise in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals across the United States.
From July through August 2026, the CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025. Importantly, this does not mean human rabies cases increased by 17%. The figure reflects increased reports, consultations and potential exposure events, including several mass-exposure incidents.
The advisory comes as multiple U.S. jurisdictions report increased encounters with animals suspected or confirmed to have rabies. At least eight state health departments also reported increases in rabies post-exposure prophylaxis — or problems with how those treatments were administered.
Pharmacy data through September 2 showed an estimated 33% increase in rabies vaccine use and a striking 76% increase in human rabies immune globulin use compared with the same period last year.
Rabies remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases known: once clinical symptoms appear, it is nearly always fatal. The good news is that infection can be prevented when appropriate post-exposure treatment is given before symptoms begin.
The CDC advises anyone bitten, scratched or potentially exposed to a rabid animal to wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical or public-health guidance promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.
Source: CDC Health Alert Network, 2026 — Nationwide Increase in Reported Human Rabies Exposures.
