A man in Roswell, Georgia, was bitten by a raccoon and later exposed to rabies after attempting to rescue the injured animal. The man transported the raccoon for over an hour, during which it bit him on the face and hands. After arriving at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, staff urged the man to seek medical treatment. Subsequently, the raccoon tested positive for rabies, leading to condemnation from the nature center for the man’s actions, which endangered others.
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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.
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Health officials are notifying hundreds of people across numerous states and countries who may have been exposed to rabies in bat-infested cabins at Grand Teton National Park. While initial tests on bats found in the cabins came back negative, the potential for exposure remains due to the presence of many more bats. Officials are urging individuals who stayed in specific cabins this year to seek medical attention, particularly if they had contact with a bat. Prophylactic shots are recommended for those who meet certain criteria, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, although treatment is highly effective if administered soon after exposure.
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In preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is facing accusations of mass killings of stray dogs to “clean up” its streets, as evidenced by CNN. Reports indicate that municipal authorities are employing methods such as shootings and poisonings, as well as rounding up and removing the strays. While the government cites public safety concerns and plans to implement Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release programs, animal welfare groups and international observers are raising serious concerns about the inhumane treatment of animals. FIFA has responded, stating that they are working with local counterparts to ensure animal rights commitments are upheld, but many are not confident the issue will be addressed.
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A Michigan resident died from rabies contracted through a kidney transplant received in Lucas County, Ohio, in December. This is the first rabies case in Michigan since 2009 and prompted a joint investigation involving Michigan, Ohio, and CDC officials. The donor risk assessment process was followed, according to Life Connection of Ohio, and no further individuals are at risk. The identities of the donor and recipient, as well as the transplant facility, remain undisclosed. Rabies-related deaths in the U.S. are extremely rare.
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A Pennsylvania man, Andrew Neirer, was attacked and bitten by a rabid black bear while walking near Jim Thorpe. A neighbor intervened, shooting the bear, which subsequent testing confirmed had rabies. Neirer received medical treatment and is expected to recover fully. While rare, the incident highlights the importance of reporting unusual animal behavior, and the effectiveness of rabies post-exposure treatment.
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Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old California art teacher, died from rabies after being bitten by a bat in her classroom. The incident marked Merced County’s first rabies death in over three decades. Seneng initially dismissed the minor scratch, but later developed symptoms and succumbed to the disease. Health officials stress the importance of avoiding contact with bats and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. Rabies is entirely preventable with prompt medical care.
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The Instagram-famous squirrel, Peanut, and a raccoon named Fred were euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to test for rabies. The agency seized the animals from their owner, Mark Longo, who had kept Peanut as a pet for seven years and amassed over 537,000 Instagram followers documenting Peanut’s life. According to the agency, it is illegal to keep young wildlife as pets due to the potential risk of spreading diseases like rabies. Longo and his wife run an animal sanctuary named after Peanut, and are appealing for donations to help with legal fees and to keep the sanctuary running.
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John Q. Hosedrinker