Dos Palos, California – A tragic incident unfolded in a California middle school classroom recently, resulting in the death of a beloved art teacher due to rabies. Leah Seneng, 60, passed away after being bitten by a bat she was attempting to rescue, according to reports from Fresno County health officials. The incident occurred at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, where Seneng found the bat lying in her classroom in mid-October.
Witnesses recounted Seneng’s compassionate attempt to save the bat, unaware that it was carrying the deadly disease. Despite her efforts to scoop up the bat and take it outside, the creature awoke and bit her. About a month after being bitten, Seneng fell ill and was rushed to the hospital by her daughter. Tragically, she passed away on November 22 after being placed in a coma for four days.
In the wake of Seneng’s death, her dear friend Laura Splotch organized a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses, which has garnered support from the community. Rabies, a rare but fatal viral disease, causes fewer than 10 deaths in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease is preventable through post-exposure prophylaxis, which is administered to roughly 60,000 Americans each year after potential exposure to rabies.
Health officials emphasize the importance of taking preventative measures against rabies, as the virus can be found in various wild animals like bats and raccoons. In a separate incident, the internet-famous squirrel known as P’Nut was caught up in a controversial situation in upstate New York where officials considered euthanizing him to test for rabies after he allegedly bit a wildlife agent. However, P’Nut tested negative for rabies, allowing him to continue living as a beloved pet.
These tragic events serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with interactions with wild animals and the importance of raising awareness about rabies prevention. Local health authorities continue to stress the significance of seeking medical attention promptly after any suspected exposure to the virus to prevent further fatalities.