Woman bitten by bat with rabies in Clermont Co.

A bat that was infected with rabies bit a woman in Batavia, marking the first time Clermont County has seen a case of rabies since 2013.

The woman is being treated and is expected to be fine, according to a release.

While rabies is rare in the United States, the virus almost always results in death. Pet vaccinations and anti-rabies treatment have almost entirely eliminated the threat to humans in the U.S. Since the 1990s, rabies accounts for only one or two human deaths per year, but only one to three cases per year are reported on average, according to the most recent data from the CDC.

When humans do succumb to rabies, it's normally because they weren't aware they were exposed, according to the CDC.

For this reason, Clermont County Public Health urges people who find bats in their home to be extra cautious, partly because bat bites can be so small they can go undetected. Incidentally, bats and raccoons make up the majority of rabies cases in Ohio.

While pets are more likely to be bitten by a bat, human encounters do happen and anyone bitten should seek treatment as soon as possible. Any emergency room can administer treatment.

"Bats that are seen during the day or are unable to fly are more likely to be rabid,” said Rob Perry, director of environmental health for CCPH, in the release. "...if a bat does enter your home and must be caught, protect yourself by wearing thick leather gloves, and try to trap the bat in a large jar or container, to transport.”

Ohio saw 24 cases of rabies in animals in 2015.

For more information on rabies visit www.ccphohio.org.