South Dakota Rabies Cases Rise as CDC Warns of Nationwide Exposure Increase

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory following a nationwide increase in human rabies exposures and errors in administering rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The alert, designated HAN‑00533, was released September 10, 2026, and urges clinicians and public health officials to reinforce proper rabies risk assessments and treatment protocols.

According to the CDC, multiple states have reported higher numbers of human exposures since July, including incidents involving both traditional rabies vectors and animals not commonly associated with the virus.

The advisory notes that:

“Several high-profile rabies outbreaks and mass rabies exposure events have highlighted the importance of performing careful rabies risk assessments” (CDC HAN 533).

The CDC also reports a significant rise in demand for rabies biologics. Weekly pharmacy data show a 33% increase in rabies vaccine use and a 76% increase in human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) compared to the same period in 2025. Despite the surge, no national shortages have been reported.

Rabies remains nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin, but is preventable when PEP is administered correctly. The advisory stresses that errors—such as administering vaccine in the gluteal area, failing to infiltrate HRIG into wounds, or misclassifying vaccination history—can lead to unnecessary treatment, reduced effectiveness, and avoidable costs.

“A typical course of PEP can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person,” the CDC warns (CDC HAN 533).

South Dakota Sees Slight Increase in Rabid Animals

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) released a state‑level summary alongside the national advisory. So far in 2026, 13 rabid animals have been confirmed statewide—12 bats and one skunk. This is slightly higher than totals in 2025 (11) and 2024 (12), but below 2023 (20).

The SD DOH maintains a public rabies dashboard updated monthly at doh.sd.gov and provides 24/7 rabies consultation for medical providers at 800‑592‑1861.

State officials also encourage clinicians to review South Dakota’s human rabies prevention guidelines, which outline exposure risk, recommended PEP, and steps for addressing schedule deviations.

Public Health Guidance

The CDC advisory reiterates several key recommendations for the public:

·        Avoid contact with wildlife, especially animals acting strangely or appearing sick.

·        Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.

·        If bitten or scratched, wash wounds immediately for 15 minutes and seek medical care.

·        When possible, safely confine the animal and contact local animal control or public health officials.

The CDC notes: “If you or your pets have been in contact with any wildlife or sick‑acting animals… talk with a clinician or public health professional about your risk” (CDC HAN 533).