The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its latest surveillance report showing that human rabies exposures reported across the country in July and August 2026 increased 17% compared to the same period last year. Most cases were triggered by contact with wild animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes, while some involved unvaccinated domestic pets.

Public health officials note that summer is the peak season for rabies exposure, with increased outdoor activity and more opportunities for pets to come into contact with wild animals being the main reasons. The CDC is urging the public to avoid handling animals exhibiting abnormal behavior with bare hands, to ensure that domestic pets are vaccinated against rabies in accordance with regulations, and to seek immediate medical care for post-exposure prophylaxis after being bitten or scratched by animals suspected of carrying the rabies virus.

In some states such as Massachusetts, relevant authorities have adopted measures including dropping edible vaccine packets from helicopters to carry out large-scale immunization campaigns targeting wild raccoons, foxes, and other animals, in order to interrupt the chain of virus transmission in wild animal populations. The CDC also emphasizes that the vast majority of exposure incidents can be effectively prevented from progressing to clinical rabies if treated in a timely and standardized manner.

Editor: GoodInfo Global News Desk