Rabies exposure has increased across the United States, prompting health officials to warn people to take animal contact seriously.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory after seeing a rise in reports linked to possible rabies exposure.
The agency said rabies-related inquiries increased by 17% between July and August compared with the same period last year.
However, the warning does not mean human rabies has become common in the US.
Instead, officials are concerned about the number of people coming into contact with animals that could carry the virus.
Why rabies exposure is a concern
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system.
It can spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Saliva from an infected animal can also transmit the virus when it enters the body.
Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal.
However, the disease can be prevented if people receive the right treatment before symptoms appear.
The CDC estimates that about 1.4 million people in the US seek medical care each year after contact with animals.
Around 100,000 people receive post-exposure treatment for possible rabies exposure.
Wildlife remains a major source of risk
Wild animals remain an important source of rabies in the US.
Bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes can carry the virus.
Recent reports have also highlighted several unusual exposure events across the country.
In North Carolina, nearly 300 people were exposed to goats that tested positive for rabies at a mobile petting zoo.
There have also been reports involving rabid wildlife in other states.
These incidents have increased attention on how people respond after possible contact with infected animals.
CDC warns about treatment errors
The CDC is also concerned about mistakes in assessing rabies exposure and giving post-exposure treatment.
The agency said rabies vaccine use increased by an estimated 33% as of September 2 compared with the same period last year.
Use of rabies immune globulin also increased by about 76%.
Despite the increase in demand, the CDC said there is currently no shortage of rabies vaccine or rabies immune globulin in the US.
The agency said proper assessment is important because unnecessary treatment can create avoidable costs and other problems.
A typical course of post-exposure treatment can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person.
How people can reduce rabies exposure
Health officials are advising people to avoid contact with wild animals.
People should also be careful around animals that appear sick or behave unusually.
Keeping pets up to date with their rabies vaccinations is another important step.
If someone is bitten or scratched by an animal that could have rabies, the wound should be washed immediately with soap and water.
Medical care should then be sought as quickly as possible.
The CDC’s latest warning highlights why prompt action matters.
A possible rabies exposure does not always lead to infection. However, delaying an assessment after risky animal contact can have serious consequences because treatment must begin before symptoms develop.
Source: CNN
