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Information for Health Care Providers
Maine CDC Health Advisory
June 8, 2023
Elevated Animal Rabies Activity in Maine
Maine is seeing early signs of an active animal rabies season this year. In the first five months of 2023, 30 animals tested positive for rabies in Maine compared to 11 animals in the first five months of 2022. Some regions in Cumberland County are already seeing elevated animal rabies activity compared to this same time last year, including 11 confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons and skunks tested after encounters with humans or domestic animals. The purpose of this health advisory is to alert clinicians to the increased risk of rabies exposures and provide recommendations. Individuals exposed to rabid or potentially rabid animals should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is warranted. Remember, rabies is virtually 100% fatal, but also entirely preventable.
