Rabies Fears Rise Amidst Vaccine Hesitancy and Bat Encounters
Recent reports from the CDC indicate a concerning rise in rabies cases in the U.S., with six human deaths reported in the last year, the highest in recent years. Outbreaks are occurring across multiple states, possibly fueled by factors like habitat loss due to urban expansion and increased surveillance, particularly impacting bats and wild animals. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, with bat bites being a primary cause of human infection. Veterinarians also express concern regarding vaccine hesitancy in pet owners, which could contribute to increased cases in domestic animals.
John Q. Hosedrinker