Concerns regarding rabies in the United States have been prompted by recent unusual incidents involving humans and rabid animals, alongside a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory. However, experts state it is not clear if there has been an actual increase in cases of the deadly disease.
In recent months, three people in Maryland have been attacked by rabid beavers. Additionally, hundreds of individuals were exposed to goats with rabies at a petting zoo in North Carolina. The CDC issued a health advisory on 10 September "in response to recent reports of increases in human exposures to rabid or possibly rabid animals".
From July to August, the federal agency saw a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries, including reports of mass exposure events, compared to the same period last year. State health departments also reported an increase in the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis treatments following possible rabies exposure.
Experts suggest that increased news coverage and greater awareness of the disease are beneficial for public health. Zak Mertz, CEO of the New England Wildlife Center, stated that any time the subject receives good coverage and people can learn about safety, it is a "win for public health".