Recent unusual events involving humans and rabid animals, along with a CDC advisory, have raised concerns about rabies. However, experts are uncertain if there has actually been a rise in cases of this deadly disease in the U.S.
In the last few months, there have been reports of rabid beavers attacking three individuals in Maryland, and many people were exposed to rabid goats at a petting zoo in North Carolina. In response, the CDC issued a health advisory on September 10, due to reports of increased human exposures to rabid or possibly rabid animals.
Though it remains unclear if actual rabid encounters occurred or if people are simply more anxious about the potential for exposure, experts believe that heightened media attention and public awareness can be beneficial.
Zak Mertz, CEO of the New England Wildlife Center, noted, “Any time that the subject gets good coverage and people can learn a little bit about how they can be safe, I think that is a win for public health.”
Historically, rabies claimed hundreds of lives in the U.S. each year, but modern interventions like vaccines and animal control have reduced fatalities to fewer than 10 annually, according to the CDC.
Interestingly, from July to August this year, the CDC saw a 17% increase in rabies-related queries, including mass exposure events. Reports from state health departments indicated that more individuals were receiving post-exposure prophylaxis treatments after potential rabies encounters.
In one such instance, a skunk entered a pen with baby goats in Harmony, North Carolina. Later, hundreds interacted with those goats, some of which were rabid. Health authorities monitored those individuals, and many received prophylaxis treatments. Thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities.
In Maryland, a 13-year-old boy encountered a beaver attack while swimming at a state park. He survived but had to undergo three surgeries to treat nerve damage in his chest and hands.
When asked if there was a common factor in these incidents, Meghan Davis, an associate professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, remarked, “I think what we are seeing is a little bit of bad luck.” Interestingly, those goats were too young for vaccination, and rabies is quite rare in beavers.
Despite the incredible advancements in science, rabies still poses a threat and can occasionally be fatal.
For instance, in 2011, Tonji Durant’s sister, Ivy, reported bats in her home to local animal control in South Carolina. Unfortunately, officials failed to give her any protective advice. Months later, she experienced flu-like symptoms, and after testing, she was found to have rabies. Unfortunately, once symptoms present themselves, treatment options become very limited, as Durant, a retired CDC epidemiologist, pointed out.
“The older you get, the more you miss your siblings,” said Durant, expressing her belief that her sister’s death could have been prevented. “Communication is really critical. Clinicians working with state and local health departments; communities working with state and local health departments.”
If someone suspects they might have had contact with a rabid animal, Mertz advised them to contact state health services or their healthcare provider.
Davis added that anyone bitten by a potentially rabid animal should clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical help immediately. “Don’t wait; seek help,” she urged. “It’s also essential for people to make sure their pets are properly vaccinated.”
As Davis noted, “Because [rabies] has largely been under control, it doesn’t always reach the public eye.”
