Rabies cases are rising across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting a 17 percent increase nationwide this summer. Los Angeles recorded its first raccoon case in more than five decades, while national parks warned of rabid bats and beavers that attacked people in Maryland during the summer months.
The virus attacks the central nervous system and can cause flu‑like symptoms, confusion, agitation, aggressive behaviour, anxiety and hallucinations. If medical care is not sought before symptoms appear, the infection can be fatal, health officials say.
To reduce the risk, experts advise keeping a safe distance from wildlife and never approaching animals that look injured, sick or dead, as the virus can be transmitted weeks or months after a bite or scratch. If an animal is suspected of rabies, contact local animal‑control authorities. Pets should be kept away from wild animals, and owners must keep their dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, sheep and cattle vaccinated; some pet‑insurance plans cover the shots. Workers who handle animals, such as veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators, may be recommended a pre‑exposure vaccine, which can cost between $280 and $360 per dose.
If a bite or scratch is suspected, wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention. Patients should inform clinicians of the animal involved and any abnormal behaviour. Post‑exposure care includes wound cleaning, passive immunisation with antibodies and a series of four or five active vaccines, which can cost thousands of dollars for uninsured patients. About 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccination annually after a potential exposure, while federal data shows roughly 4,000 cases and fewer than ten deaths each year.
