Health officials in Fresno and Merced counties have confirmed a rabies exposure involving a Fresno County resident who was suspected of having been bitten by a bat in Merced County. Fresno County health officials are working with healthcare workers to care for the individual. The Merced County Health Department is notifying others who may have been exposed and is preparing local medical providers on response measures. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites or scratches. It is almost always fatal if not treated before symptoms appear.