Literature update ViVa week 37-2026

1. More potential rabies exposures, more PEP errors: CDC health alert Summary: The CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory on September 10, 2026, following increased reports of human exposure to rabid or potentially rabid animals and errors in rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). From July through August 2026, CDC rabies-related inquiries increased by 17% compared with the same period in 2025; at least eight state health departments also reported increased PEP use, administration errors, or both. Pharmacy data indicated estimated increases of 33% in rabies vaccine use and 76% in human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) use. Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptom onset but is preventable with prompt, correctly administered PEP. The CDC emphasizes thorough wound cleansing, case-specific risk assessment in consultation with public health authorities, and adherence to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance. For previously unvaccinated immunocompetent people, PEP includes HRIG plus vaccine on days 0, 3, 7,...