Authorities are raising an alarm about rabies after the disease has led to six fatalities in the United States over the last year.
Rabies is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. However, it can also be spread if an infected animal’s saliva comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
According to MedicalNewsToday, rabies symptoms can include confusion, partial paralysis, convulsions, excessive saliva production, and hydrophobia, commonly known as ‘fear of water’.
While a vaccine exists that can prevent the disease, rabies becomes almost invariably fatal once symptoms appear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are currently monitoring 15 potential outbreaks in the country.
Dr. Ryan Wallace, the leader of the CDC’s rabies team, stated: “We are currently tracking 15 different likely outbreaks. There are parts of the United States where it does seem like we’re getting more calls and more reports.”
He further mentioned: “Whether those numbers are truly significant increases, we can only tell at the end of the year. But right now, at peak rabies season, it does seem like activity is higher.”
Concern over outbreaks is particularly high in regions such as Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Nassau County, New York, and various parts of Alaska, Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont, according to NBC News.
Wallace reiterated: “There are parts of the United States where it does seem like we’re getting more calls and more reports. Whether those numbers are truly significant increases, we can only tell at the end of the year. But right now, at peak rabies season, it does seem like activity is higher.”
In Franklin County, North Carolina, there has been a notable rabies outbreak, with cases doubling among wild animals over the past year.
Scott LaVigne, the health director for the county, commented: “For the number of confirmed cases to go up 100%, and we’re not even over this year’s rabies season, that’s a big deal. The population of Franklin County since 2010 has increased 35%, and those people have to live somewhere.”
“And so you’re seeing increased land development and housing tracts going in.”
The World Health Organization notes that rabies is ‘virtually 100% fatal’ once symptoms manifest.
“The global cost of rabies is estimated to be around US$ 8.6 billion per year including lost lives and livelihoods, medical care and associated costs, as well as uncalculated psychological trauma,” according to their website.