Each year, rabies kills thousands of people worldwide, and it remains a silent threat right here in Alabama. Often transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, this viral disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Yet, with timely action and widespread vaccination, rabies is entirely preventable.

Researchers in the UAB Department of Microbiology are working to understand the viruses and other pathogens at a molecular level, supporting new advances in diagnosis, treatment, and public health preparedness.

“Rabies is one of the oldest known infectious diseases,” explained J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D., professor and chair in the UAB Department of Microbiology. “Feared for its near-certain fatality once symptoms appear, rabies is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The development of a vaccine in 1885 by Louis Pasteur was a landmark event in human history.”

Recent cases in Alabama, including attacks by rabid foxes and raccoons, underscore the importance of pet vaccinations, public awareness, and immediate treatment after exposure.

Current rabies outbreak in Alabama

Recent incidents across the state underscore the importance of public vigilance and pet vaccination as key defenses against the spread of this fatal virus.

In March 2025, residents of the South East Lake neighborhood in Birmingham reported unusual behavior among three raccoons. Two of the animals, which appeared to exhibit signs of paralytic rabies, were captured and sent for testing. While test results have not yet been released, the incident has raised concerns among local authorities and residents alike.

Another reminder of rabies’ persistent threat also occurred in March 2025 in Burkville, Alabama, when a rabid fox scratched a hunter. The fox later tested positive for rabies, underscoring the ongoing risk the virus poses to those who come into contact with wildlife.

“Rabies continues to be endemic in our environment,” warned Sunnie Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology. Drawing on both her research expertise and public health insight, she emphasized the virus’s constant presence in wildlife. “That means it’s always present, particularly in wild animals like raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, and even opossums. Any unusual behavior in these species should be taken seriously.”

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, there has been a 44.4 percent increase in rabies cases among wild animals this year compared to last year. Fortunately, no human rabies cases have been reported in Alabama during that time.

Understanding rabies

Rabies, caused by RNA viruses from the Rhabdoviridae family, is a viral disease with devastating effects on both humans and animals.

“Rabies is a deadly virus that can jump from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or even contact with infected saliva,” Thompson explained. “Even a superficial skin lesion can be enough for transmission.”

Laurie Hunter, MSN, BSN, R.N., NE-BC, senior director of clinical services at The Kirklin Clinic, emphasized that even saliva contact alone can transmit rabies.

“People often think that if a bite didn’t draw blood, they’re fine, but that’s not true,” Hunter said.

The virus typically enters through broken skin, often via animal bites or scratches. Once inside, it infects peripheral motor neurons—nerve cells that carry signals from the spinal cord to muscles—and travels to the brain and spinal cord, where it replicates and causes severe neurological damage
Certain individuals face a higher risk of rabies exposure due to their occupations or travel destinations. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for veterinarians, animal handlers, spelunkers, and travelers visiting areas known to have persistent rabies cases.

Transmission, symptoms, and prevention

Rabies symptoms in humans don’t appear until the virus reaches the central nervous system, making early detection difficult. The disease typically manifests in two forms, and both forms ultimately result in coma and death.

• Furious rabies is characterized by extreme agitation, excessive saliva production, and intense reactions to liquids, especially water.
• Paralytic rabies causes progressive muscle weakness leading to paralysis.

The incubation period in humans usually ranges from 20 to 80 days, but infected animals may carry and spread the virus for months or even years without showing symptoms.

“That’s part of what makes rabies so dangerous,” Thompson explained. “You can’t always tell when an animal is infected.”

Rabies transmission to people often involves unvaccinated pets or wildlife.

“Unvaccinated pets can contract rabies simply by interacting with or eating wild animals,” Thompson stated. “Vaccination protects both your pet and your family.”

Lana Knight, R.N., with Ambulatory Intermediate Care at The Kirklin Clinic, emphasized the importance of keeping your pets’ rabies vaccines up to date.

“It’s your first line of defense,” Knight said. “Be especially cautious around wild animals that seem unusually tame or aggressive, and don’t wait to seek medical care after any contact.”

Key preventive measures include:

• Keeping rabies vaccinations current for dogs, cats, and ferrets
• Avoiding direct contact with wildlife
• Not leaving pet food outside
• Securing trash to deter wild animals

Bats pose a special risk since their tiny bites can go unnoticed. “Seal your home to keep bats out,” Thompson advised.

With these basic precautions, rabies is entirely preventable.

Public health response and UAB Microbiology's role

Experts advise that if you think you’ve been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your local health department.

“If the animal can be safely contained, it may be tested or observed to determine if treatment is necessary,” Thompson said.

Initial treatment typically begins in the emergency room.

Standard post-exposure care includes immediate wound cleansing with soap and water, application of an antiviral like povidone-iodine, an injection of rabies antibodies near the wound, and their first dose of the rabies vaccine, which requires a four-dose series administered over two weeks. “After that, they return for follow-up injections on days three, seven, and 14,” Knight explained. “It’s a simple schedule, but it must be followed precisely.”

At UAB, rabies vaccinations have transitioned to the Post Discharge Clinic at The Kirklin Clinic.

“Since our Injection Clinic now operates only during flu season, our team handles all rabies follow-up care,” Hunter added. The clinic frequently treats patients referred from emergency and urgent care providers.

Hunter addressed a few common myths about the disease and its prevention.

“People think the rabies vaccine is extremely painful or that scratches don’t pose a real threat,” she said. “Today’s vaccines are no worse than a flu shot—and yes, even a seemingly minor scratch can be deadly if left untreated.”

“Preventing rabies starts with vaccinating pets and avoiding contact with wild animals that may carry the virus,” Garcia emphasized. “When exposed, seeking immediate medical attention is critical.”