The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned healthcare providers about an increase in reported human exposures to animals that may carry rabies.
The alert also highlights mistakes involving rabies post exposure prophylaxis, commonly called PEP. CDC says careful risk assessment is important before treatment begins. Correct use of rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin can help prevent serious disease after a genuine exposure.
Quick Fact
| information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | CDC has warned about increased rabies exposure reports and PEP administration errors in the United States. |
| Location | United States |
| Period | July to August 2026 |
| Rabies Risk | Rabies can cause severe illness and death after symptoms begin. |
| PEP Treatment | Post exposure treatment may include wound care, rabies vaccine, and HRIG when appropriate. |
| Previously Vaccinated | People who previously completed an appropriate rabies vaccination course generally receive two vaccine doses on days 0 and 3. |
| Not Previously Vaccinated | People who have never received rabies vaccination generally receive HRIG and four vaccine doses on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. |
| Common PEP Error | Giving rabies vaccine in the gluteal area. |
| Another Error | Giving HRIG and rabies vaccine at the same anatomical site. |
| Public Advice | Wash possible exposure wounds promptly and contact a healthcare professional or public health department. |
| Vaccine Supply | CDC says there is currently no shortage of human rabies vaccine in the United States. |
CDC Reports More Rabies Exposure Concerns
According to the CDC advisory, the agency received 17 percent more rabies related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same period in 2025.
The advisory also says at least eight state health departments reported increased PEP use, treatment errors, or both.
Weekly pharmacy data cited in the advisory showed higher use of rabies vaccines and rabies immune globulin compared with the same period in 2025.
CDC says there is currently no shortage of human rabies vaccine or human rabies immune globulin in the United States.
Why Rabies Treatment Requires Careful Assessment
Rabies is a viral disease that can cause severe illness and death once symptoms begin. The virus usually spreads through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
Common rabies carrying animals in the United States include bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. However, any mammal can become infected.
Not every animal contact requires PEP. Health officials consider the animal involved, the circumstances of the contact, the animal’s behavior and whether testing or observation is possible.
Common PEP Errors Highlighted by CDC
The CDC has identified several mistakes that can occur during rabies treatment.
These include giving the vaccine in the buttock area, failing to place HRIG into and around identifiable wounds, and giving HRIG and the first vaccine dose at the same anatomical site.
Other errors include giving HRIG to someone who previously completed an appropriate rabies vaccination course, forgetting HRIG for an unvaccinated patient, and using the wrong vaccine schedule.
People who have never received an appropriate rabies vaccination course generally receive HRIG and four vaccine doses.
The vaccine doses are given on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. People with certain immune system problems may need a fifth dose on day 28 and follow up antibody testing.
People who previously completed an appropriate rabies vaccination course generally receive two vaccine doses, on days 0 and 3. They should not receive HRIG.
CDC says rabies vaccine should not be given in the gluteal area. A dose given there needs to be repeated at an appropriate site.
What People Should Do After Possible Exposure
CDC advises people to contact a healthcare professional or public health department promptly. Officials can help determine whether the exposure presents a rabies risk and whether PEP is necessary.
People should also provide details about the animal involved, including its species, behavior and vaccination status when known.
Do not approach or handle a wild animal that appears sick, injured or dead. Contact local animal control or public health authorities for assistance.
CDC Urges Care Over Rabies Treatment
Health departments will continue monitoring rabies activity and PEP use across the United States.
CDC recommends that healthcare providers consult public health officials when they need help assessing an exposure or correcting a PEP administration error.
The CDC alert highlights the importance of accurate rabies exposure assessments and correct PEP administration.
Rabies remains preventable when people receive appropriate care before symptoms begin. Anyone who may have been exposed should promptly contact a healthcare professional or public health authority for an individual risk assessment.
