CDC: Outbreaks Of Rabies On The Rise Across The U.S.

The CDC says six rabies deaths have been reported in the last year in the U.S., the highest number in years.

Wild animals in over a dozen states have experienced a rise in the deadly disease partly due to shrinking natural habitats.

Outbreaks have been reported in Nassau County, New York, which issued a health threat over rabid animals last month, as well as Cape Cod, Massachusetts, parts of Alaska, Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon and Vermont.

Rabies is present in all states except Hawaii.

The CDC says bats are the most common cause of rabies infection in people and are also the most likely species to be infected with the virus.

(Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP) (Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN/AFP via Getty Images)