MERCED, Calif. – Health officials in California are urging caution when dealing with wild animals following the tragic death of a Central Valley art teacher who was bitten by a bat in her classroom and later succumbed to rabies.
The woman, identified as 60-year-old Leah Seneng, passed away about a month after being bitten by a bat that was believed to be rabid, according to the California Department of Public Health. Seneng, an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in southern Merced County, noticed the bat in her classroom in mid-October and attempted to remove it without causing harm, as recounted by a close friend.
Despite not initially showing any signs of rabies, Seneng fell ill a month later and was hospitalized. Tragically, she passed away four days after being admitted to the hospital. Samples collected at the Fresno County hospital where she died confirmed the presence of rabies.
Dr. Tomás Aragón, the director of CDPH, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after coming into contact with a potentially rabid animal. Bats, in particular, are the most common carriers of rabies in the United States, posing a significant risk due to their tiny and often undetectable bites.
In light of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Seneng’s family with funeral expenses.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with handling wild animals and the importance of taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies. It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and avoid approaching or handling unfamiliar animals to protect themselves and prevent further tragedies like this one.