Rochester-Area Health Officials Question CDC Statement on Rabies Exposures

Local health officials in the Rochester area say they are uncertain what is driving a nationwide increase in reported rabies exposures, according to RochesterFirst. Their comments came in response to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the rise. RochesterFirst reports that one official described the situation by saying, "It's hard to know why."

The CDC issued an alert about the nationwide increase in rabies exposures, CNN reported. The agency also published guidance on rabies post-exposure prophylaxis administration. MedPage Today reported that the CDC warned doctors about a spike in rabies activity.

Coverage of the trend has varied by region. The Press Democrat reported that as the CDC warns of rising rabies calls nationally, health officials in Sonoma County, California, are focusing their attention on bats.

The material available does not specify how many exposures have been reported, where they occurred, or what the CDC believes is behind the increase. It also does not detail the local data that prompted Rochester-area officials to respond.

rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, which is why public health agencies track exposures closely and recommend post-exposure prophylaxis after a suspected contact with an infected animal.

What to watch next: whether the CDC releases further detail on the cause of the increase, and how local health departments adjust their guidance as more information becomes available.