The CDC warned of a 17% surge in rabies exposures during July and August 2026, citing a spike in animal cases and public health risks, including a North Carolina petting zoo outbreak that exposed hundreds to rabies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sounded an alarm in late August 2026 about a sharp rise in rabies exposures, linking the surge to increased wildlife encounters and a high-profile outbreak at a North Carolina petting zoo. The agency reported a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries compared to the same period in 2025, with at least eight states noting higher usage of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and administration errors.
Rabies Spike Linked to Petting Zoo Outbreak
The CDC’s warning followed a troubling incident in Franklin County, North Carolina, where three baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive for rabies. The goats, which had been bitten by a skunk, were euthanized to prevent further spread, and over 260 people were advised to receive PEP. A mother, Rebecca Lanning, described her terror after her 4-year-old son was exposed during a visit to the exhibit. My fear is that if he was feeding the goats, and he’s 4. Who’s to say that he didn’t touch his mouth or eyes?
she said, adding, I don’t want to bury my child.
The outbreak underscored the risks of close contact with wildlife, as rabies spreads through bites, scratches, or contact with infected saliva. The CDC emphasized that PEP, which includes human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and a series of vaccines, is nearly 100% effective if administered promptly. However, the agency also highlighted a 33% increase in vaccine utilization and a 76% rise in HRIG use compared to the same period in 2025, raising concerns about both demand and potential errors in administration.
PEP Administration Errors Highlighted by CDC
A CDC health advisory detailed common PEP errors, including administering vaccines in the gluteal area, failing to infiltrate HRIG into wounds, and mixing HRIG with vaccines in the same syringe. These mistakes could lead to unnecessary costs—PEP typically ranges from $11,000 to $14,000 per person—or adverse effects. The agency stressed that PEP must be tailored to a patient’s vaccination history: unvaccinated individuals require both HRIG and vaccines, while those previously immunized need only vaccines.
Several high-profile rabies outbreaks and mass exposure events have highlighted the importance of performing careful rabies risk assessments and following evidence-based recommendations for administering PEP,
the CDC stated. The agency urged the public to avoid contact with wildlife, keep pets vaccinated, and seek medical care after bites or scratches.
The CDC’s warning comes as summer wildlife activity peaks, with raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes serving as primary carriers. Hawaii remains the only U.S. state free of rabies, while the rest of the country grapples with seasonal spikes. Officials in Franklin County set traps following the discovery of a rabid skunk, reflecting broader efforts to control the virus.
What to Watch: PEP Access and Public Awareness
Despite the rise in PEP demand, the CDC confirmed no national shortages of vaccines or HRIG as of September 2, 2026. However, the agency cautioned that errors in risk assessment could lead to overuse or underuse of treatments. Public health officials are now focusing on education campaigns to ensure both medical professionals and the public understand the importance of timely PEP and proper administration.
For the public, the message is clear: avoid wild animals, secure pets, and act quickly after potential exposures. As the CDC’s advisory noted, Rabies is a rare but potentially fatal viral disease that must be treated before symptoms start.
With summer still underway, the agency’s warnings serve as a critical reminder of the virus’s persistent threat.
