# Rabies Cases Rise in California

> California's rabies reports surge as experts hunt causes.
- Title: Rabies Cases Rise in California · Sfchronicle | Shortify
- Summary: California's rabies reports surge as experts hunt causes. California's rabies cases have increased this year, with Santa Cruz County reporting nine rabid…
- Keywords: california, rabies, santa cruz county, bats, public health, rabies exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis, centers for disease control and preventi, news, local, Cases, Rise
- Source: Sfchronicle — https://sfchronicle.com/health/article/rabies-santa-cruz-county-california-22477561.php
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: california, rabies, santa cruz county, bats, public health, rabies exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis, centers for disease control and preventi, news, local
## Rabies Reports Up
Rabies reports have increased in California this year, particularly among bats.
## National Trend
Rabies inquiries after potential exposure are up 17% nationally this year, with post-exposure prophylaxis use also increasing.
## Santa Cruz County Data
Santa Cruz County identified nine rabid bats this year, up from three each of the previous two years.
## Human Exposures
At least one individual was exposed to each rabid bat identified, requiring treatment.
## Expert Opinion
Dr. Maris Brenn-White, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter veterinarian, said rabies is rare but scary, urging people to avoid wildlife and vaccinate pets.
## Rabies Impact
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, with fewer than 10 Americans dying from it annually.
## Transmission
Rabies spreads via saliva, attacks the nervous system, and causes widespread damage to basic body functions.
## Treatment
Post-exposure prophylaxis includes rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin, which are effective but can be painful when injected.
## Expert Analysis
Dr. Matt Willis noted that about 10% of bats tested in Marin County are positive for rabies year after year, indicating a persistent reservoir of the virus.
## Possible Causes
Experts suggest climate change, increased public awareness, or unknown factors could be driving the rise in rabies reports.
## Recent Incidents
This year, rabid animals have attacked humans in multiple states, including a Virginia woman with a bat in her mouth and a Maryland child attacked by a beaver.
## Public Advice
People should avoid touching wild animals, especially if sick or injured, and ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies.
## Santa Cruz Protocol
Santa Cruz officials advise using gloves and a broom to handle downed bats, then contacting animal control if the bat is alive.
## Key takeaway

California's rabies cases have increased this year, with Santa Cruz County reporting nine rabid bats, though experts remain uncertain about the rise's cause.