Rabies, a deadly viral disease, is making headlines in the United States after six people died from it over the past 12 months, the highest number in several years, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts are attributing the rise in cases partly to shrinking natural habitats for wild animals and improved disease surveillance.
Wild animals like skunks, grey foxes, and raccoons are experiencing outbreaks in more than a dozen states. “We are currently tracking 15 different likely outbreaks,” said Dr. Ryan Wallace, who leads the CDC’s rabies team. Areas affected include Nassau County, New York, Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and parts of Alaska, Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont.
“There are parts of the United States where it does seem like we’re getting more calls and more reports,” Wallace said, showing a rise in rabid foxes in western states and rabid bats across the country. “Whether those numbers are truly significant increases, we can only tell at the end of the year. But right now, at peak rabies season, it does seem like activity is higher.”
Rabies cases in the US
According to the CDC, rabies is present in every state except Hawaii. Bats are the most common cause of infection in humans and also the species most frequently infected with the virus. Each year, over a million Americans are checked for possible exposure to rabies, with more than 100,000 receiving a series of vaccines to prevent the life-threatening infection.
Urban growth and expansion into wild animal habitats are believed to be the spread of rabies. “As human settlements encroach into wildlife areas, the chances of contact with infected animals increase,” Wallace said.
What are rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, making early intervention crucial. The virus is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches.
Causes of rabies
According to CDC, rabies is most commonly spread through animal bites or scratches, with dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes being the primary carriers in the US. The virus can also enter the body through contact with saliva on broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. Experts note that as humans expand into wildlife habitats, interactions with potentially rabid animals increase, raising the overall risk of infection.
Rabies symptoms to watch out for
According to WHO, rabies symptoms usually develop one to three months after exposure, though this can vary. Early signs often include fever, headache, general weakness, and tingling or a burning sensation at the bite site. As the infection progresses, symptoms may worsen to anxiety, confusion, agitation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). In advanced stages, patients can experience hallucinations, paralysis, and insomnia, eventually leading to coma and death if left untreated.
First aid and prevention
As per CDC, if bitten or scratched by an animal, it is important to act quickly. Clean the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention even if the wound seems minor. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes a series of rabies vaccines and sometimes rabies immune globulin, can prevent the virus from developing. Additionally, avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets such as dogs, cats, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies remains a rare but serious threat in the US. While six deaths in a year are concerning, early detection and prompt vaccination save lives. Dr. Wallace explains, “Most rabies cases in humans are preventable. Awareness, quick first aid, and timely medical care can make the difference between life and death.”