What Arizonans should know about rabies exposure, treatment and prevention

A bat that had been displaying symptoms caused by its rabies infection is shown in this undated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention image.

Public domain photo/CDC Public Health Image Library

Rabies requires urgent medical attention and should not be delayed. The health care provider will determine if someone requires ... treatment.”

Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if medical care is not received before symptoms start. It can be spread to people and pets through bites and scratches of an infected animal. 

Is rabies a problem nationally and in Arizona?

• In the U.S., people are usually exposed to rabies by coming into contact with wild animals infected with the virus, which often includes raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. They may also be exposed through their pets encountering a rabid animal.
• There are more than 100,000 potential exposures to rabies each year. Because of rabies prevention efforts in the U.S. and access to rabies post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP — there are fewer than 10 human deaths each year.

• So far in 2025, there have been 86 confirmed positive rabies animal cases in Arizona. Of those 86 cases, there have been 34 humans exposed to rabid animals. The majority of the rabid animals in Arizona in 2025 were skunks (34 cases), followed by foxes (23 cases) and bats (19 cases).  
• In October 2024, 550 students needed to be evacuated from a dorm at Northern Arizona University due to rabid bat exposure. Several students were treated with PEP. 
• The last case of human rabies in Arizona was in 1981.

How do I prevent exposure to rabies?

• The best way to avoid rabies in the U.S. is to keep your distance from wildlife. Never approach animals who appear to be injured, sick or dead. Instead, call animal control for assistance when needed.
• Pet owners can lower their risk by keeping their pets up to date on rabies vaccines. In Arizona, dog owners are required to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies. It is strongly recommended that cats be vaccinated against rabies. Bottom line: keep pets away from wild animals whenever possible.
• Do not leave pet food outside. Use only animal-proof containers to store pet food.

How do I prevent rabies from bats?

Although most bats do not carry rabies, most people who die from rabies in the U.S. are exposed to a rabid bat. The CDC provides some excellent guidelines on the prevention of rabies from bats:  

• Know the signs of rabies in bats; example: active during the day or unable to fly. 
• Avoid touching bats
• If scratched or bitten by a bat, wash the wound with soap and water and get medical help right away.
• Bat-proof your home
• Capture bats safely

What do I do if I think I have been exposed to rabies?

If you’ve been in contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, particularly if you've been bitten or scratched, do the following:

• Wash wounds immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes to flush out any virus
• Tell your health care provider the type of animal you encountered
• Make note of and tell your health care provider if you see any signs that the animal is not acting normally
• If the animal that bit you is a pet, ask the owner if the animal is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination

The above information is important when deciding if rabies-related care is necessary. Remember, rabies requires urgent medical attention and should not be delayed. The health care provider will determine if someone requires post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP. 

What is rabies PEP?

Rabies PEP consists of:

• Wound washing
• A dose of human rabies immune globulin — HRIG — and rabies vaccine given at the time of the first medical visit
• A dose of vaccine is given again on days 3, 7 and 14 after the initial dose. 

Should I consider getting a rabies vaccine if traveling internationally?

• If you’re traveling internationally, learn more about rabies at your destination and find out how to protect yourself.
• If rabies vaccines are recommended for your travel destination, consult with your primary care physician, a local pharmacy, a local health department or a travel clinic. 

Dogs cause 99% of human rabies deaths outside the U.S.

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