Rabies cases Rise Across the U.S., Sparking Health concerns
A concerning increase in rabies cases is being reported across the United States, raising alarms among health officials adn veterinarians. Recent outbreaks and human fatalities linked too the virus are prompting renewed calls for vaccination of both pets and wildlife.
Cases have been identified in multiple states, including California, where a teacher died in December after being unknowingly infected by a bat a month prior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a steady increase in rabies cases in wildlife, particularly raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
dr. Jean Lavigne,a rabies expert,emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the disease. “Most people expect a rabid animal to be aggressive and fierce,but sometimes the infected animal can be quite docile,” she explained. She recounted an instance where a family befriended a raccoon exhibiting unusually pleasant behavior, only to discover after the animal’s death that it was rabid – necessitating post-exposure vaccination for the entire family.
Adding to the concern is a growing hesitancy among pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies. A 2023 study published in Vaccine revealed that nearly 40% of Americans believe canine vaccines are hazardous, and 37% fear they could cause cognitive issues in their dogs.
“It is a problem that worries us and that could increase in the future,” stated Dr. Gabriella Motta, a veterinarian in Pennsylvania and co-author of the study. “If we continue to see a drastic decrease in vaccination rates…we will see [rabies] in more pets, and not only in wildlife? We are starting to give the alarm.”
Rabies is a preventable disease, and post-exposure treatment has significantly improved. Current protocols involve a dose of immunoglobulin and a series of four vaccine injections, all administered in the arm. Experts urge caution and recommend anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal seek immediate medical attention. Any unusual animal behavior – excessive aggression, unusual tameness, or disorientation – should be reported to animal control.
