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Deadly rabies cases pose public health threat across US, experts warn

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 9:55 GMT by Fox News
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Rising Rabies Threat in the U.S.: Experts Urge Vigilance and Vaccination

A recent spike in rabies cases across the United States has prompted scientists, public‑health officials, and animal‑control agencies to issue a stark warning: the disease, long considered a rare footnote in American medicine, is making a return—and it could cost lives if not met with swift action. A Fox News feature that drew on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and expert commentary from veterinary and epidemiology specialists outlines the growing danger and the steps individuals and communities can take to stay safe.

The Numbers Behind the Alarm

The CDC’s most recent surveillance report lists 23 confirmed human rabies deaths in the United States during 2023, a significant jump from the 12 deaths recorded in 2022. The increase is largely driven by bats, which account for roughly 80 % of all human rabies cases in the country. Rural and suburban areas in the Midwest and the Southwest—especially Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana—have seen a disproportionate rise in bat‑related incidents, according to the report.

Notably, the CDC identified two clusters of human rabies cases in Texas in the last six months. In one, a 9‑year‑old girl died after a night‑time encounter with a bat that bit her under her eyelid. In the other, a 35‑year‑old man was bitten by a rabid dog in a suburban neighborhood, despite an existing vaccination program that had historically kept pet‑related cases at bay. “We’re seeing a resurgence of rabies in both wildlife and domestic animals, and the public health implications are significant,” said Dr. Lisa Ramirez, a senior epidemiologist at the CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.

Why the Resurgence Matters

Rabies remains one of the most lethal zoonotic diseases worldwide, with an almost 100 % fatality rate once clinical symptoms appear. While it can be prevented through pre‑exposure prophylaxis (vaccination before an exposure) and post‑exposure prophylaxis (a series of shots after a bite), the disease’s rapid progression once symptoms develop leaves no room for hope. “Early detection and immediate vaccination are the only effective safeguards,” noted Dr. Ramirez.

The U.S. has maintained a rigorous rabies control system for decades: mandatory vaccination for pets, public education on wildlife avoidance, and strict monitoring of animal populations. The current uptick, however, suggests gaps in these systems. A new CDC advisory stresses that vaccination coverage in dogs and cats has slipped below optimal levels in several states, especially in rural counties where veterinary services are scarce.

The Role of Wildlife and Environmental Changes

Beyond domestic animals, the wildlife reservoir for rabies has grown more complicated. Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes all carry the virus, with bats being the most frequent vector for human infection. Experts point to several environmental factors that may be amplifying the risk:

• Climate change has altered the geographic range of many rabies‑carrying species, pushing them into new territories.
• Urban encroachment has increased human encounters with wildlife, especially in peri‑urban areas where suburban development meets forested habitats.
• Population growth in rural communities means more people living in close proximity to rabid animals without adequate public‑health infrastructure.

“The ecological landscape is shifting, and rabies is following,” explained Dr. Thomas Nguyen, a wildlife disease specialist at the University of Arkansas. “Bats are increasingly found in urban settings, nesting in buildings and barns where they can easily bite residents or pets.”

Practical Steps for the Public

The Fox News article—backed by CDC guidelines—offers clear actions for residents across the country:

1. Vaccinate Pets: Pet owners should ensure that dogs and cats receive their rabies shots on schedule. The CDC recommends vaccination for dogs every 1–3 years, depending on the product used, and for cats at least every 3 years.

2. Avoid Wildlife: Keep children away from bats, raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife. Secure garbage bins, seal pet food, and be cautious around abandoned houses where animals may nest.

3. Seek Immediate Care: If bitten by an animal—especially one that is acting abnormally or has been known to have rabies—contact a health provider or the local health department right away. Prompt PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis) can be lifesaving.

4. Report Suspicious Animals: Notify animal control or the local health department if you see an animal that appears ill or is behaving unusually.

5. Stay Informed: Follow local health department alerts and be aware of rabies outbreaks in your area. The CDC’s website provides an up‑to‑date map of rabies cases and offers educational resources.

Government Response and Future Outlook

In response to the latest spike, the CDC has increased funding for rabies surveillance and public‑health outreach. A $4 million grant has been awarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories to expand diagnostic capabilities in rural clinics. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working on a new interstate program to streamline rabies vaccination campaigns across state lines, aiming to close the “vaccination gaps” that have been identified.

Public‑health officials are optimistic that with targeted interventions, the number of human rabies deaths can be reduced. However, Dr. Ramirez cautions that continued vigilance is essential. “If we’re not proactive, rabies could become a larger public health threat,” she said. “It’s up to every one of us—pet owners, healthcare providers, and policymakers—to ensure that the U.S. doesn’t slide back into a rabies‑plagued era.”

A Call to Action

While the current numbers are still small compared to other infectious diseases, the devastating nature of rabies makes every case a tragic loss. The Fox News piece underscores that this is not a problem of the past; it is a contemporary public‑health challenge that demands immediate and sustained attention. By staying informed, vaccinating pets, and promptly addressing potential exposures, Americans can protect themselves and help keep rabies at bay—preventing the next wave of preventable deaths.