Rabies Risk Factors

Worldwide, it is estimated that 55,000 deaths are caused by rabies each year — and 10 million people receive post-exposure treatments after being exposed to rabies-suspect animals.¹

In the United States, vaccination of dogs and cats has greatly reduced the risk of rabies disease to humans (in 2006, 92% of rabies disease cases were recorded in wild animals).² Vaccinated domestic animals provide a buffer to rabies infection for most Americans, and all unvaccinated mammals should be considered at risk for rabies.

Persons at greatest risk of exposure include:

• International travelers
• Animal control officers
• Spelunkers
• Lab workers

These people should consider receiving pre-exposure vaccination. This process simplifies the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) series required if a person is bitten by a rabid animal.

Risk factors for pets:
All pets should be considered “at risk” for rabies — this is why states require vaccination and licensing (ask your veterinarian about the laws in your area).

Special risk factors that may expose pets to risk of rabies transmission:

• Exposure to wildlife
• Exposure to other pets that may not be vaccinated

No area of the continental United States is free of risk for rabies infection. The map below shows rabies cases in the United States in 2006.

¹World Health Organization. Rabies. Available at:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/. Accessed November 27, 2007.
²Centers for Disease Control. Rabies Epidemiology. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/Epidemiology.html. Accessed May 15, 2008.

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