CDC Issues Health Advisory Following Increase in Rabies Exposures and Treatment Errors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory due to a recent rise in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals, alongside reports of errors in administering rabies post-exposure treatment. Since July, several U.S. jurisdictions have noted local increases in human rabies exposures, including cases involving less common rabies vectors. The CDC also reported a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries compared to the same period last year, with at least eight state health departments reporting increased use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or administration errors. The agency emphasizes the importance of proper risk assessment and adherence to guidelines for rabies vaccine and immune globulin administration, noting that a typical PEP course can cost $11,000-$14,000 per person.