CDC Advises Caution Amid Rising Rabies Exposures Across US

The CDC has issued a health advisory due to a nationwide increase in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals. From July to August 2026, rabies-related inquiries rose by 17% compared to the previous year. The advisory stresses careful risk assessment and adherence to post-exposure treatment guidelines, with Texas alone reporting 350 cases primarily linked to bats and skunks.