Rabies is caused by a virus (lyssaviruses) and is considered a fatal illness CDC Rabies Rabies | Rabies | CDC. There have been fewer than 20 cases of humans surviving rabies. Rabies is contracted through direct contact with saliva or brain tissues from an infected animal, either through a bite, broken skin, or mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth Cleveland Clinic  Rabies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. Human-to-human transmission is rare and is attributed to tissue or organ transplants. The number of human deaths from rabies in the United States has dropped from over 100 in the early 1900s to 3 or less reported each year since the late 1980s Rabies in the United States: Protecting Public Health | Rabies | CDC. This dramatic change is attributed to vaccinating pets for rabies, animal control programs, public health tracking and the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Over 59,000 Americans are exposed and seek PEP, and it is considered nearly 100% effective when given soon after exposure. Prior to the advent of vaccinating pets, the most common exposure to rabies was rabid dogs; however, since the introduction of the rabies vaccine the most common exposure for humans in the United States are bats. Raccoons, skunks and foxes can also be reservoirs for rabies.

In Kentucky of the 35 confirmed cases of rabies in animals in 1999, 21 were skunks. Nine of the 35 were from bats Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources  Rabies - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife. In December 2024 the first human death from rabies since 1996 was confirmed in Kentucky Kentucky Human Rabies Case Health Alert – Kentucky Medical Association. To date it is still unknown where the individual encountered the virus; however it is believed they were exposed while traveling internationally. Kentucky has seen an increase in the number of positive rabies cases in domestic animals: in 2024 there were 21 (13 bats and 8 skunks) and in 2025 there was 1 horse, 3 dogs and 9 skunks.    

If you think you have been exposed, especially with any contact with bats or other wildlife, seek medical advice immediately.