Fairfax County has treated 554 residents for potential rabies exposure in 2026, already exceeding its typical annual total as a national surge prompted a CDC health advisory.

The Fairfax County Health Department reported the figure as of Sept. 14. The five-year annual average is 445.

Bat encounters are driving much of the local spike. The health department said 171 clients received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential bat exposure so far in 2026, more than double the five-year average of 78. Of those, 60% did not meet the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices criteria for PEP, suggesting many treatments may have been unnecessary.

Virginia recorded 280 confirmed cases of rabies in animals during the first half of 2026, according to Virginia Department of Health data reported by Patch. Raccoons accounted for 155 of those cases. The rest included 64 skunks, 24 cats, 20 bats, 11 foxes, three groundhogs, one bobcat, one cow and one goat.

Cases climbed from 117 in the first quarter to 163 in the second.

Thirteen animals had tested positive for rabies in Fairfax County as of June 9, according to the county health department. One confirmed case involved a kitten near the entrance of Poplar Ford Park in Centreville.

In a separate incident on June 18, a coyote in the Great Falls area launched unprovoked attacks on domestic dogs and one resident during daylight hours. The animal was never found, and rabies could not be ruled out.

The Fairfax County Health Department describes rabies as endemic in local wildlife.

What the CDC advisory says

The CDC's Health Alert Network advisory, issued Sept. 10, noted a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries during July and August compared with the same months in 2025. At least eight state health departments reported increased PEP use, administration errors, or both.

Pharmacy data through Sept. 2 showed a 33% increase in rabies vaccine usage and a 76% surge in immune globulin usage nationwide compared with last year. A typical course of PEP costs between $11,000 and $14,000 per person. About 100,000 Americans receive PEP each year.

The CDC said there is no current shortage of rabies vaccine or immune globulin.

After a bite or scratch

Anyone bitten or scratched by wildlife or an animal acting strangely should wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then contact a medical provider or public health official, according to the CDC. The agency also recommends keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations and away from wildlife.

Residents can report a potential rabies exposure by calling Fairfax County Animal Services at 703-691-2131 or the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-2433.