A California art teacher, Leah Seneng, tragically passed away from rabies on November 22, about a month after a likely California teacher rabies bat encounter Seneng, 60, may have been bitten or scratched by the bat when she removed it from her classroom to release it outside.
A Routine Act Turns Tragic
Early one morning, before her students arrived, Seneng discovered a bat on the floor of her classroom. She picked it up and released it outside. According to her friend, Laura Splotch, Seneng did not think much of the encounter at the time and continued with her day. She later mentioned the incident to her daughter but showed no immediate concern or suspicion that the bat might have been sick.
Public health officials stress the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after any contact with animals that may carry rabies. However, it remains unclear why Seneng did not pursue medical care following the incident.
Onset of Symptoms
Nearly a month later, Seneng began experiencing symptoms, including fever and trembling hands. By November 18, her condition worsened, and she was hospitalized. The following day, she was placed in a medically induced coma.
After four days in the coma, Seneng’s condition did not improve, and her loved ones were called to say their goodbyes. She passed away at Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno. Her family, including her husband and daughter, were by her side. Her daughter played songs from her mother’s favorite playlist during her final moments.
A Beloved Teacher and Artist
Seneng worked as an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos. She was an experienced hiker, a world traveler, and a talented artist. The Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District described her as a dedicated and compassionate educator whose loss would be deeply felt by students, colleagues, and the entire community.
The district expressed shock over the news that Seneng’s death was caused by rabies, likely contracted from the bat. It emphasized the importance of educating the community about the risks associated with contact with wild animals. The district also noted that staff are trained to handle such situations and urged everyone to report wildlife sightings on school grounds.
Understanding Rabies and Its Risks
The California Department of Public Health confirmed Seneng’s case as rabies. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal, usually through bites or exposure to saliva or nervous system tissue. It attacks the central nervous system, leading to brain disease that is almost always fatal if untreated.
In the United States, California teacher rabies bat encounter. Warning signs of rabbis bats include difficulty flying, unusual daytime activity, and being found indoors or on the ground. Other animals, such as skunks, raccoons, and foxes, can also carry rabies.
Health officials advise avoiding contact with bats or other wild animals. If someone believes they have been scratched or bitten, they should wash the area with soap and water immediately and seek medical attention. Rabies bites can be small and difficult to detect, making it crucial to exercise caution after any encounter with a wild animal.
California teacher rabies bat encounter Treatment and Prevention
Although rabies-related deaths are rare in the United States—fewer than 10 people die annually—around 60,000 people receive post-exposure treatment each year. For individuals not previously vaccinated, the treatment involves a single dose of immune globulin and four doses of the rabies vaccine over two weeks.
Most emergency departments are equipped with the necessary post-exposure prophylaxis. Experts recommend consulting a doctor after any encounter with a wild animal, even if there is no apparent injury.
Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California’s Public Health Officer, emphasized the importance of leaving wild animals alone and avoiding contact. He reminded the public that rabies is preventable with prompt medical care and that safety precautions can save lives.
Seneng’s tragic death serves as a reminder California teacher rabies bat encounter and the dangers of contact with potentially rabid wildlife. Her community continues to mourn her loss while raising awareness about the risks posed by rabies.
