Rabies reconsidered: Is the increasing zoonotic reservoir a new public threat?

Rabies remains a significant worldwide public health problem, and has the potential for increase in North America because of enlarging zoonotic reservoirs. Any contact with bats and any bite contract with raccoons, skunks, or foxes should prompt consideration of rabies prophylaxis. Current postexposure prophylaxis is safe but expensive, and recognition of clinical rabies is often delayed due to failure to recognize nonclassic symptoms. The best defense against rabies continues to be prevention through vaccinating domestic animals and educating the public about the danger of handling wild animals, especially bats.