The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports 213 people exposed to rabies at petting zoo recommended for treatment
By Carrie Hodgin
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WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (WXII) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said that 284 people were exposed to rabies at a petting zoo.
They have recommended rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment for 213 patients. Health leaders said patients were evaluated at local health care providers and hospitals.
Health leaders said, “NCDHHS, local health departments and health systems responded swiftly and collaboratively to the recent mass rabies exposure. The Department worked diligently alongside local health departments, hospitals and state partners to provide timely, transparent information to help people make informed decisions for themselves and their families. NCDHHS has been in regular communication with CDC throughout this response.”
The NCDHHS said overall across the state more than 320 people have started PEP treatment and this is not exclusive to those who were exposed to the infected goats at the petting zoo.
Rabies is most common in skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. About 300 animals test positive for rabies each year in North Carolina. In 2025, more than 4,000 animals in the state were tested for rabies and about 6% were positive.
Find out more about petting zoo rabies exposure by visiting NCDHHS.
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