CDC Issues Alert on Nationwide Increase in Rabies Exposures and Vaccine Utilization
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory warning of a nationwide increase in rabies exposures. From July through August, the agency saw a 17% rise in rabies-related inquiries compared to the same period last year, including reports of mass exposure events. Several state health departments have also reported an increase in administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies, or errors in its administration. Notably, a mass exposure event in North Carolina involved nearly 300 people exposed to rabid baby goats from a mobile petting zoo. Weekly pharmacy data as of September 2 indicates a significant surge in the use of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins, with utilization increasing by an estimated 33% and 76% respectively, compared to the previous year. The CDC emphasizes the importance of appropriate PEP administration to prevent unnecessary treatment, potential adverse effects, and avoidable costs, as a typical course of PEP can range from $11,000 to $14,0...
