Rabies reports rise in California, and experts aren't sure why
Reports of rabid animals are rising in California this year, mostly in bats, and experts can't yet explain why, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The state has logged 368 reports so far, up from 342 all of last year. Health officials urge people not to touch wild animals.
Rabies reports are rising in California and across the US this year, mostly in bats, and scientists can't yet explain why, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The rise could be due to climate change, more public awareness or an unknown factor, the Chronicle reported.
California has recorded 368 reports of rabid animals so far this year, compared with 342 in all of last year, the Chronicle reported. Last year the state reported more than 300 rabid bats, plus 19 skunks and a few foxes and cats, the Chronicle reported.
Nationally, rabies inquiries after possible exposures are up 17% from last year, the Chronicle reported, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC issued a health advisory to doctors this summer after receiving 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July and August than a year earlier, KQED reported in September.
In Santa Cruz County, officials have found nine rabid bats so far this year, compared with three in each of the past two years and one in 2023, the Chronicle reported. Berkeley found five rabies-positive bats this year, compared with about two in a typical year, KQED reported. Alameda County has reported 13 bats with rabies this year, KQED reported.
"I don't find this increase alarming, but I do want to make people aware," said Maris Brenn-White, veterinarian for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, according to the Chronicle. "Just don't touch wildlife and vaccinate your pets, and you don't need to worry about it," she said.
Rabies is rare but almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and fewer than 10 Americans die of it each year, the Chronicle reported. Most human cases in the US now come from bat bites or scratches, the Chronicle reported. Treatment after exposure is highly effective, the Chronicle reported. Just 17 people in California have been reported with rabies since 1980, most recently a Fresno man who died in 2024, KQED reported.
"If you find a bat in your house, it really is something that you have to take very seriously," said Scott Gilman, Berkeley's director of health, housing and community services, KQED reported.
What we know: California rabies reports are up this year, mostly in bats, and US rabies inquiries are up 17%.
What we don't: What is causing the increase, which experts say could be climate change, awareness or something else.
Where outlets agree The San Francisco Chronicle and KQED report a rise in rabid bats and rabies exposures in California, and both cite a 17% national increase in rabies inquiries reported by the CDC.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.