The United States has seen a worrying rise in rabies cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 6 human deaths over the past 12 months, the highest number in years.

There has been a notable increase in reported cases, especially among foxes in the West and bats nationwide, with confirmations expected by the end of the year on whether this rise is significant.

Rabies is present in all states except Hawaii, with bats being the most common source of human infection. Approximately 1.4 million Americans undergo potential exposure testing annually, and 100,000 receive a series of preventive vaccines.

Among them is Samantha Lang, a 22-year-old woman from Indiana, who was bitten by a bat that entered her apartment. After noticing small marks on her arm, she immediately received post-exposure prophylaxis.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, which start flu-like and progress to confusion, paralysis, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, and death within weeks.

The virus usually spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Thanks to strict vaccination laws, the dog-transmitted strain of rabies has been eradicated in the U.S., but wildlife remains a significant threat.

In Franklin County, North Carolina, confirmed rabies cases among wildlife have doubled over the past year, partly due to urban expansion reducing animal habitats and increasing human-wildlife interactions.

Scott Laffin, the county health director, noted that a 100% increase in cases before the end of this rabies season is alarming.

Concerns are growing over declining dog vaccination rates due to vaccine hesitancy among pet owners.

A 2023 study found that 40% of Americans believe dog vaccines are unsafe, and 37% fear they cause cognitive problems.

Dr. Gabriella Mota, a veterinarian from Pennsylvania, warns this trend could lead to a resurgence of rabies in pets.

Health recommendations to prevent rabies include avoiding contact with wildlife, especially bats and raccoons, regularly vaccinating pets, and seeking immediate medical care if potentially exposed to the virus.