CDC alerts clinicians to increased animal rabies activity and human exposures

CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory concerning increases in recent animal rabies activity and associated human exposures. The statement reports that animal exposures and rabies post-exposure vaccinations increased across the United States during summer 2026, but provides no case counts, geographic breakdown, or quantitative comparison with previous periods.

Clinicians are urged to conduct careful, evidence-based rabies risk assessments and follow current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations when post-exposure prophylaxis is indicated. CDC emphasizes proper administration of rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin to provide effective protection while avoiding unnecessary treatment, costs, and pressure on supplies. People with compromised immune systems may require additional considerations, including a five-dose vaccination series and laboratory confirmation of an adequate immune response.

Rabies is preventable with appropriate vaccination after exposure and before symptoms begin. CDC advises anyone bitten, scratched, or otherwise potentially exposed to a rabid animal to promptly contact a healthcare provider or public health department. The statement directs clinicians to the official HAN advisory for detailed management recommendations; it does not itself provide a complete prophylaxis protocol or data establishing the magnitude of the reported increase.