FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A Fresno County resident who was found to have contracted rabies in Merced County has died, the Fresno County Department of Public Health announced Tuesday. It is believed the victim contracted rabies after they were bitten by a bat in Merced County. Bird flu virus found in California raw milk retail sample Health officials confirmed on Nov. 22 that a resident from Fresno County was exposed to rabies in Merced County. On Tuesday, the department confirmed the victim died as a result. Officials say the Fresno County Department of Public Health is working closely with the hospital and healthcare workers who cared for the individual. The Merced County Department of Public Health is notifying people who may have been exposed and is preparing medical providers. Both health departments are also working with the CDC and the California Department of Public Health.