A California art teacher, Leah Seneng, tragically passed away from rabies after being bitten by a bat in her classroom at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, near Fresno. The 60-year-old had been attempting to free the trapped animal when it bit her.
Seneng initially showed no symptoms of rabies, which can include fever, headache, and nausea. However, a month after the incident, her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was placed in a medically induced coma and passed away on November 22, just four days after being hospitalized.
Speaking to ABC30 News, Seneng’s longtime friend Laura Splotch recounted how Seneng had compassionately tried to save the bat by scooping it up and releasing it outside. “She didn’t want to harm it,” Splotch said, explaining that the bat, which appeared dormant, bit Seneng when it suddenly woke up.
Rabies, a virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes, is nearly 100% fatal without immediate vaccination. Tragically, Seneng did not seek medical advice after the bite, not realizing the severity of the situation.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health, along with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed rabies as the cause of Seneng’s illness after conducting tests at the state’s Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL).
Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of seeking medical care after any animal bite, particularly from wild animals like bats. “Bites from bats can be incredibly small and difficult to see or detect,” Aragón said.
“It is important to wash your hands and look for open wounds after touching a wild animal, and if bitten, seek immediate medical care.” Aragón also reminded the public to avoid approaching or handling wild animals, stressing that it’s safest to leave them alone.
The tragedy has left the Bryant Middle School community mourning the loss of a beloved teacher known for her kindness and dedication. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Seneng’s family during this difficult time.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of rabies and the critical importance of immediate medical attention following animal bites.