Rabies Concerns Rise in the U.S., Signaling Strain on Public Health Infrastructure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network advisory due to a concerning increase in rabies-related inquiries, mass exposure events, and a sharp rise in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) use from July through August 2026. This trend suggests a potential comeback for rabies or a strained public health system struggling to assess exposures effectively.