HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The CDC reports it has received 17% more inquiries about rabies compared with this time last year.
The virus, which is spread through the saliva of infected animals, is almost always fatal if left untreated. The agency also reports rabies treatment has increased by up to 76% nationwide as of Sept. 2.
While the exact cause of the increase is unclear, experts say high-profile outbreaks and mass-exposure events may be contributing to the growing concern. One recent example was a rabies exposure involving baby goats at a North Carolina petting zoo…