California Middle School Teacher Dies from Rabies After Bat Bite in Classroom
Dos Palos, CA – A 60-year-old middle school teacher from California has tragically passed away after contracting rabies from a bat bite in her classroom.
Leah Seneng, a teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, was bitten by the bat in October when she attempted to scoop it up to take it outside. According to her friend Laura Splotch, Seneng did not exhibit any immediate symptoms of rabies, but her health deteriorated significantly about a month later.
Seneng was hospitalized and placed in a coma, but sadly passed away on November 22, just four days after her hospitalization.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has stated that there is currently no public health risk concerning potential rabies exposure in the vicinity. Both the Fresno County and Merced County health departments are conducting investigations.
Individuals who had contact with Seneng have received medical care, including vaccines administered to healthcare workers and household contacts.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after being bitten by an animal that may carry rabies.
Symptoms of rabies in humans typically manifest within four to eight weeks, and if left untreated, the outcome is nearly always fatal.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Seneng’s family to assist with her funeral expenses.