WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Butler County General Health District is warning residents after a bat collected in West Chester Township tested positive for rabies following a potential human exposure. Health officials say the case marks the second rabid bat identified in Butler County within the past three weeks. The first positive case was reported recently in the City of Hamilton. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system of mammals, including humans. While human cases are rare in the United States, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Health officials stress that prompt medical treatment after a potential exposure can prevent illness. The Butler County General Health District is reminding residents never to touch bats or other wild animals with bare hands and to teach children to avoid handling wildlife. Pet owners are also encouraged to keep dogs, cats and ferrets current on their rabies vaccinations. Officials advise anyone who is bitten, scratched, or has direct contact with a bat to seek medical attention immediately. Residents should also contact a healthcare provider if a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, or someone who may be unable to report whether contact occurred. Health officials note that bats infected with rabies do not always appear sick, making it impossible to determine whether a bat carries the virus simply by looking at it. Because of that, any direct contact with a bat should be treated as a potential rabies exposure. Anyone with questions about rabies exposure, bat encounters, or rabies prevention can contact the Butler County General Health District's Environmental Health Team at 513-863-1770.