Rabies cases spike 17% in July, August following 'high-profile outbreaks', CDC warns

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that rabies cases have spiked about 174 per cent from July to August when compared to the same period last year in the United States.

In a health alert on Thursday, September 10, the CDC said the spike is attributed to following several “high-profile rabies outbreaks” and exposure events.

According to the CDC, at least eight state health departments have reported surges in post-exposure treatment errors in giving that treatment, or both during peak summer.

Over the summer, there have been reported incidents where rabid beavers attacked two people in a Maryland state park.

A North Carolina petting zoo also confirmed that several of its baby goats have been tested positive for rabies and also alerted that up to 300 people may have been exposed in July and August.

The CDC officials have urged those who might have been exposed to the infections to seek medical care immediately, before symptoms develop.

As per CDC data, each year, roughly 1.4 million people in the U.S. get medical treatment after suspected exposure to a rabid animal, while about 100,000 people undergo post-exposure treatment.

However, the mortality rate reportedly remains lower than 10 rabies each year.