Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2024.

Cats remain the most rabies-positive domestic species; prompt PEP after any bat or wildlife exposure is critical.

This 2024 national rabies surveillance report analyzes data from approximately 130 public health, agriculture, and academic laboratories contributing to the US National Rabies Surveillance System (NRSS). A total of 3,834 animal rabies cases were confirmed from 90,343 samples submitted (4.2% positivity), representing a 2.0% increase from 2023. Wildlife accounted for 91.4% of positive cases (3,503), with bats (1,376; 5.7% positivity) and raccoons (1,080; 10.1% positivity) being most prevalent. Domestic animals comprised 8.6% of positives (331), with cats being the most commonly affected domestic species (243 cases; 1.3% positivity). Two non-enzootic rabies virus variants (RVVs) entered the US in 2024, highlighting ongoing importation risks. Four human rabies fatalities occurred: two resulted from untreated bat exposures, one involved international travel, and one had an undisclosed exposure history. These cases reinforce the critical importance of veterinary and public health professionals educating clients about rabies exposure risks and the necessity of prompt postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Geographic expansion of enzootic RVVs continues to pose significant public and animal health threats. The NRSS remains essential for monitoring temporal and geographic trends in animal rabies, guiding surveillance priorities, and informing prevention strategies for both veterinary professionals and public health authorities across the United States.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.