From Sfgate · · 1m 40s
California breaks 28-year rabies record
California's rabies cases hit a 28-year high as experts warn of possible nationwide rise.
In brief
California's rabies cases hit a 28-year high as experts warn of possible nationwide rise. California reported 368 rabid animals in 2024, breaking a 28-year record, with CDC data showing a 76% spike in post-exposure treatments nationwide. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Raccoons test positive for rabies
Two sick raccoons found in Los Angeles suburbs tested positive for rabies, the first in the county since 1973.
“The animals, found three weeks apart in Westlake Village, are the first raccoons in the county to test positive for rabies since 1973.”
Rabies spreads across species
Rabies virus can infect any mammal, with bat and skunk variants most common in California, but new variants could spread widely.
“Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system and spreads via the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite.”
CDC reports 76% rise in treatments
CDC data shows a 76% increase in people receiving rabies post-exposure treatments in September 2024.
“In September, the CDC reported a 76% jump in people getting post-exposure treatment for the virus.”
California breaks record
California found 368 rabid animals in 2024, the highest since 1998, with most cases in Southern California.
“At least 368 rabid animals have been found in the state so far this year, the highest since 1998.”
Public health officials warn
California officials say the risk to the public remains low despite the increase in rabies cases.
“Beth Deines, a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health, said despite the increase in wildlife rabies detection, the risk to the public remains low.”
Rabies variants shift
Raccoons testing positive for bat variant of rabies could indicate a new reservoir host in Los Angeles.
“Wallace confirmed in an emailed statement the two rabid raccoons discovered in SoCal tested positive for the bat variant of the virus, which is a good indication that a new raccoon-specific strain hasn’t arisen in the area.”
National data gaps
CDC data analysis delays mean experts cannot confirm if rabies is actually rising nationwide.
“However, delays in national data analysis mean state and federal experts remain unsure whether this deadly disease is actually on the rise, or where.”
CDC funding cuts
CDC has lost 30% of staff since the start of the Trump administration, delaying rabies data reporting.
“But since the start of the Trump administration, the CDC has dealt with major cuts and lost about 30% of its staff.”
Rabies vaccine sales up
Rabies vaccine sales remained elevated through early October 2024, indicating possible increased exposure.
“Wallace said CDC researchers saw numbers increase dramatically in May and June and said rabies vaccine sales remained elevated through at least early October.”
State vs national trends
States count rabies differently, making it hard to compare national trends across jurisdictions.
“States 'count things in different ways, and it becomes really hard to see actually what’s happening because you end up with sort of an apples-and-oranges comparison state to state,'”
Rabies risk to public
Public health experts advise avoiding contact with wildlife and ensuring pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
“Wallace said people concerned about rabies exposure should never handle dead wildlife and always keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccines.”
What it means
California reported 368 rabid animals in 2024, breaking a 28-year record, with CDC data showing a 76% spike in post-exposure treatments nationwide.
