A rise in rabies cases among animals this summer has led to an increase in human exposures across the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned. In a recent health advisory, the CDC urged healthcare providers to be vigilant for possible rabies exposures and to administer necessary vaccines and treatments. The agency also advised the public to avoid contact with wild animals and sick mammals, and to seek medical care immediately if bitten or scratched. The advisory was sent through the CDC’s Health Alert Network, its main channel for sharing urgent public health information with doctors, hospitals, and officials. Rabies is a rare but potentially deadly viral infection that must be treated before symptoms appear. It spreads mainly through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. In the U.S., common carriers of the virus include raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. The CDC’s warning comes just weeks after North Carolina officials confirmed that three baby goats at a mobile petting zoo had tested positive for rabies, potentially exposing hundreds of people. The state health department launched a search to locate those who had contact with the goats and recommended rabies shots for more than 260 individuals. The petting zoo, Farm Adventures, said the goats were too young to be vaccinated and had been bitten by a skunk found in their enclosure. Four goats were euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC highlighted several recent rabies outbreaks and mass exposure events, emphasizing the need for careful risk assessments and proper administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP typically includes a dose of human rabies immune globulin, which provides immediate protection, and at least four doses of a rabies vaccine. When given promptly after exposure, this treatment is nearly 100% effective, according to the CDC. From July through August, the CDC reported a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries compared to the same period last year. At least eight state health departments also reported a rise in rabies shot usage or errors in administering the PEP regimen. Although rabies is rare in the U.S., it remains a serious threat. More than 6 million people report animal bites annually, and around 100,000 are treated for rabies exposure. Fewer than 10 people die from rabies each year, thanks to widespread pet vaccination programs, animal control efforts, and timely human treatment. Rabies exposures typically peak in the summer, as more people spend time outdoors, increasing the chance of encountering wildlife. Hawaii is the only U.S. state that is rabies-free. In its health alert, the CDC reminded the public to stay away from wild animals and avoid approaching any that appear sick or injured. In such cases, people are advised to contact local animal control. The CDC also urged pet owners to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccines and to keep them away from wildlife when possible. People should immediately wash any bites or scratches with soap and water. Rebecca Lanning, whose family visited a dinosaur exhibit in Mocksville, North Carolina, on August 15, shared her shock upon learning that her 4-year-old had been exposed to rabies. The exhibit included the mobile petting zoo with the infected goats. She quickly took her son to the doctor for the first shots in the vaccine series. "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?" Lanning said. "I don’t want to bury my child."