Rabies Cases in U.S. Jump 17% This Summer, CDC Reports

U.S. rabies cases surge 17% this summer as bats, raccoons, and beavers spark public health concerns.

September 12, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The number of rabies cases in the United States climbed by 17 percent during the summer, according to a recent federal warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The rise was linked to several high-profile incidents involving wildlife, including attacks by beavers, rabid bats, and an increase in infected raccoons. These events have prompted heightened alerts from local and national health authorities.

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In Maryland, a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a beaver in August, while similar incidents were reported in other regions. In Olympic National Park, bats were seen swooping near visitors, and a dead bat tested positive for rabies in Yosemite. Meanwhile, New York City saw nearly 20 confirmed cases of rabid raccoons since June, leading officials to distribute fish-scented bait packets in affected areas.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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