Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) 
Alabama Emergency Response Technology (ALERT) 
Health Alert Network (HAN)
September 14, 2026
Upward Trend in Human Rabies Exposures: Importance of Evidence-Based Guidelines for PEP Administration for Alabama's Healthcare Providers

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is sharing this advisory to alert healthcare providers in Alabama about recent increases in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals, as well as errors in administering rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Since July 2026, several areas across the United States—including Alabama—have reported more cases of human rabies exposures involving both common and less typical rabies-carrying animals. Recent outbreaks and mass rabies exposure events have emphasized the need for thorough rabies risk assessments and strict adherence to evidence-based guidelines for PEP administration. ADPH encourages Alabama clinicians to stay current with rabies risk assessment protocols before administering PEP and to consult with public health authorities when needed. Healthcare providers should ensure that PEP, including human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and rabies vaccines, is provided only when indicated and is administered in line with the latest Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.

For more information, see the CDC HAN: Nationwide Increase in Reported Human Rabies Exposures: Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis Administration.