INDIANAPOLIS -- A northern Indiana community is concerned about the spread of rabies to people and pets after the death of a 10-year-old girl.

Investigators said they think a bat got into the bedroom of Shannon Carroll, 10, in June, landed on her arm and bit the girl.

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Girl's Rabies Death Highlights Misunderstood Disease

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Carroll, of Bourbon, developed encephalitis and died earlier this week in at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, 6News' Ericka Flye reported.

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. Once contracted, death is almost certain. Carroll's case was the first confirmed human case of rabies in Indiana since 1959.

"You get nervous, epilepsy type things, ticks and seizures, and it's very painful, very painful death," said Thomas Dock, of Noah's Animal Hospital.

"Very few people have survived rabies historically," said Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Judith Monroe. "With our modern-day treatments, there's certainly more hope. But this is a disease we want to prevent."

Prevention comes from vaccination. When it comes to pets, vaccinations are state law.

"If your cats or dogs are exposed to wildlife … if they fight with animals, they could get rabies if they're not vaccinated," Dock said.

Rabid animals can transmit the disease to people. Dozens of relatives and classmates who came in contact with Carroll have been inoculated.

Rabies is transmitted through saliva. It can be contracted through a bite, a cut, through the eyes, nose or mouth.

A series of shots immediately can prevent the onset of rabies.