US Tracks 14 Potential Rabies Outbreaks Across 20 States: Key Information Overview Since September 2024, 6 people have died from rabies in the US. The CDC is currently monitoring 14 potential rabies outbreaks in 20 states. Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted mainly through saliva from infected animals. What is Rabies? Caused by a deadly virus from the Rhabdoviridae family, genus Lyssavirus (16 species). Transmitted primarily by animal bites, but also by scratches or saliva contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth) or open wounds. The virus attacks the central nervous system causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Incubation period varies from weeks to months; symptoms onset almost always leads to death if untreated. Animals and Transmission Worldwide: Dogs cause most human rabies deaths, especially in children. US: Rabid dogs are rare; infected bats are the leading cause of human rabies deaths. Other common rabies carriers: raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes. About 4,000 animal rabies cases yearly in the US, 90% in wildlife. Symptoms of Rabies in Humans Incubation: no initial symptoms. Weeks to months later: flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, body aches), possible discomfort near bite site. Progression within 2 weeks: confusion, agitation, hallucinations, aggressive behavior. Classic symptom: hydrophobia (fear of water despite thirst), excessive salivation, thrashing. Results in death shortly after symptoms develop. Risk Factors Traveling to countries with rabid dogs is high risk. Professionals working with animals (vets, animal control, wildlife workers) also at higher risk. CDC and WHO websites provide regional rabies risk info. Worldwide, rabies causes ~60,000 deaths annually; 95% occur in Africa and Asia. Prevention and Vaccination Pre-exposure prophylaxis (rabies vaccine before exposure) recommended for high-risk groups: Two doses spaced 7 days apart. Risk Category 1 (lab workers): antibody titer check at 6 months. Risk Category 2 (handle bats or dead animals): titer check every 2 years. Risk Category 3 (veterinarians, animal control): titer check or booster one time. General US population: vaccine not recommended pre-exposure. Rabies vaccine critical as post-exposure prophylaxis after possible exposure. Possible Rabies Exposure Bite by wild or stray animal known for rabies. Direct contact with bat, especially if found in room overnight, unless bite or scratch is definitively ruled out. Avoid handling or capturing suspect animals; call animal control for dead bats. Consult healthcare or health departments for exposure evaluation. Treatment After Exposure Seek immediate medical care (emergency department recommended). Wounds cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. If never vaccinated: receive human rabies immunoglobulin + rabies vaccine (total 4 doses post-exposure on days 0, 3, 7, 14). If vaccinated previously: only 2 vaccine doses needed post-exposure. Immunosuppressed may require additional doses. Prevention Measures Keep pets current on rabies vaccines. Avoid wildlife and stray animals; teach children not to approach unfamiliar animals. Report unusual wildlife behavior to animal control. Prevent bats from entering homes. Immediate medical evaluation after potential exposure is essential. --- Related Articles "‘Kissing bug’ disease is here to stay in the US, experts say" "Endangered sharks found in mislabeled U.S. seafood" "Child dies of rare measles complication years after infection" --- Photo credit: Electron microscope image of rabies virions (F. A. Murphy/AP via CNN Newsource) © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.