Rabies Exposures Are Rising Nationwide — Here's What Maine Clinicians Need to Know

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 09/17/2026 09:03:10
• In: Infection Control

Please review this information HAN and clinical guidance from Maine CDC.  US CDC also reports a nationwide increase in reports of potential human rabies exposures and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administration.

Rabies is endemic in Maine wildlife. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Maine include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. As of September 14, 2026, Maine reported 43 cases of animal rabies from 13 counties. Clinicians can find current information on local animal rabies activity on The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (Maine CDC) animal rabies dashboard.

To avoid unnecessary rabies PEP and administration errors, clinicians should complete a rabies exposure risk assessment before initiating rabies PEP. The Maine CDC's epidemiologists are available 24/7 to assist with exposure assessments and rabies PEP recommendations by phone at 1-800-821-5821.

Pre-authorization to administer rabies PEP is not required in Maine. Rabies PEP was removed from the Maine notifiable conditions list in 2025; clinicians are no longer required to report rabies PEP administrations to the Maine CDC.
For more information, including Maine-specific rabies management guidance, visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/rabies
 
Staff contact: Mcarland[at]mehca.org