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Vaccinations

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Rabies

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...

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Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...

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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted by mammals, with bats being the leading source in the U.S. Increased awareness of bat interactions, even without bites, is crucial for preventing rabies deaths.

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Area of Science:

Veterinary Medicine
Infectious Diseases
Public Health

Background:

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease endemic in the continental U.S.
Transmission typically occurs via infected mammal bites, with bats being the primary source of U.S. human cases.
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is nearly always effective if administered before symptom onset.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the critical need for increased awareness of rabies risk following bat encounters.
To emphasize prompt reporting of all potential bat exposures for risk assessment and PEP administration.
To prevent rabies-related fatalities by addressing underreported bat exposures.

Main Methods:

Review of recent U.S. human rabies cases linked to bat encounters.
Analysis of public health risk assessments and PEP recommendations for individuals with potential bat exposure.
Evaluation of awareness regarding rabies transmission from bats, even without apparent bites.

Main Results:

Two fatal U.S. human rabies cases in 2024 were linked to unrecognized bat exposures.
Of 384 individuals assessed after potential contact with rabid bats or infectious patients, 45 (12%) were recommended PEP.
Bat bites can be minor or unnoticed, leading to underreporting of exposures.

Conclusions:

Any potential bat exposure warrants immediate reporting for risk assessment and potential PEP.
Public health messaging must emphasize rabies risk from all bat interactions, not just bites.
Enhanced awareness and prompt medical attention are vital to prevent rabies deaths in the U.S.