Rising Rabies Exposures Trigger National Health Warning: What Virginia Residents Need to Know

September 20, 2026 - 04:12

Health officials across the United States are raising alarms as reports of people exposed to rabid or potentially rabid animals continue to climb. The trend has prompted a nationwide health advisory, with states from coast to coast reporting increases in encounters that require post exposure treatment.

Virginia is no exception. State health data shows a steady number of rabies cases in wildlife, particularly among raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. While human rabies infections remain extremely rare in the United States, each exposure requires urgent medical attention because the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

The virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches. Health experts warn that even minor contact with a bat, such as waking up in a room where one was present, should be treated as a possible exposure. Pets are also at risk if they are not vaccinated, and they can bring the virus into homes.

Virginia residents should keep a safe distance from wild animals, never attempt to feed or handle them, and ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical care immediately.

Post exposure treatment is highly effective when started soon after contact. Officials stress that waiting for symptoms to develop is too late. If you see an animal acting strangely, contact local animal control rather than approaching it yourself.