Rabies reports are up across the United States this year, including in one greater Bay Area county where human exposures to rabid animals have tripled, prompting a local advisory to stay away from sick or injured creatures.
Scientists can’t yet explain the uptick in rabies, which could be due to climate change, more awareness among the public or some unknown factor. Nationally, the number of rabies inquiries after a potential exposure is up 17% this year over last, and use of post-exposure prophylaxis also has increased, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Santa Cruz County, authorities have identified nine rabid bats so far this year. Last year and the year before, they recorded three, and in 2023, just one. In each case, at least one individual was exposed to the bat and needed treatment…