A California teacher’s tragic death has drawn attention to the dangers of rabies, especially concerning encounters with bats. Leah Seneng, who taught arts at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, succumbed to rabies on November 22, roughly one month after being bitten by a bat she found inside her classroom.
On the morning of the incident, Seneng discovered the bat on the classroom floor, and decided to scoop it up to release it outside. Her friend, Laura Splotch, recounted, "I guess it bit her, or she maybe thought it scratched her or something, and then it took off. It flew away, and she didn’t think anything of it, not thinking it was sick or anything." After safely getting the bat outdoors, Seneng went about her day, not showing any serious symptoms initially.
About four weeks after the bite, Leah began experiencing troubling symptoms, including fever and involuntary hand shaking. Splotch shared the anxiety of the family as they learned the situation escalated on November 18, when Seneng was admitted to the hospital and immediately placed in a medically induced coma. Sadly, she died just four days later.
Health officials confirmed her case marked the first human rabies death in Fresno County since 1992, highlighting the rarity yet seriousness of such occurrences, with less than ten cases reported annually across the United States. The local public health department stated, "We were shocked to learn about Leah’s passing related to contracting rabies, most likely from being bitten by a bat.“ The Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District added they are cooperating fully with the Merced County Department of Public Health on the investigation.
The California Department of Public Health has noted there is no immediate threat to the public but emphasized the importance of caution around bats, which account for the majority of rabies cases in the U.S. Citing data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported most rabies infections arise from bats, and the virus can often be transmitted through minor bites or scratches, which can be difficult to detect.
After the tragic events surrounding Seneng, health officials have urged the community to adopt preventive measures when encountering bats or any wild animals. “Bites from bats can be incredibly small and difficult to see or to detect. It is important to wash your hands and look for any open wounds after touching a wild animal, and to seek immediate medical care if bitten,” stated Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, the California Department of Public Health Director.
Seneng had touched many lives, recognized by her peers as the epitome of dedication and compassion. Friends characterized her as someone who embraced life – passionate about art and adventure, with memories of her exploring various world locales, including Bali during her summer vacations. Splotch recalled the resilient spirit of her friend, saying, “She was a lover of life.”
For many, Leah Seneng's untimely death serves as a grave reminder about the often-overlooked risks of seemingly harmless encounters with wildlife. Public health experts continue to stress the necessity of awareness and immediate action when it involves potential rabies exposure. They recommend thoroughly washing any bite area and seeking medical advice without hesitation following such encounters.
Overall, as community members gather to mourn and celebrate Seneng's rich legacy, health officials are instigated to fortify awareness and preventive measures against rabies, encouraging educational efforts to inform the public about interactions with animals, particularly bats. Given the tragic outcome of Seneng’s story, there is hope for improvement to prevent such incidents from repeating.
Leah Seneng leaves behind her family—a husband and daughter— along with countless students and colleagues who will forever recall her generosity and spirit.