Officials Warn Once-Eradicated Rabies Now A Threat To Millions

Health officials warn that rising rabies cases in wildlife are putting millions of Americans at risk. In the past two weeks, counties from Maine to Wyoming have issued alerts after a surge in rabies among animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. While the dog-specific rabies variant was eliminated in the US in 2007, unvaccinated pets can still contract and spread the virus. In Wyoming, over 200 tourists from 38 states may have been exposed to rabies from bats at Jackson Lake Lodge. North Carolina officials report several attacks, including two people bitten by a rabid fox in Aberdeen last week. Health experts urge the public to avoid contact with wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. (Story URL)