Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old teacher from central California, tragically passed away on November 22 after contracting rabies from a bat bite in her classroom. This incident has prompted public health officials to raise awareness about the dangers of bats, which are the leading cause of human rabies in the United States. While rabies-related deaths are rare, with fewer than 10 cases annually, the disease is almost always fatal if not treated promptly.
Seneng encountered the bat in mid-October and attempted to remove it from her classroom, during which she was bitten. According to her friend Laura Splotch, Seneng initially showed no symptoms of rabies but became ill weeks later. She was hospitalized and placed in a medically-induced coma but ultimately succumbed to the disease.
Tragic Rabies Death of California Teacher Sparks Awareness on Wildlife Safety in School Settings
In a statement, the Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District described Seneng as a dedicated and compassionate educator. The district expressed shock over her death and pledged to work with local health authorities to investigate the circumstances and increase community education about the risks of wildlife, particularly bats, on school grounds.
Merced County health officials confirmed the rabies exposure but, citing privacy laws, did not publicly identify Seneng. The California Department of Public Health corroborated that the victim died from rabies. This tragic case underscores the critical importance of avoiding direct contact with wild animals and seeking immediate medical treatment following any potential exposure.
This incident highlights the persistent threat posed by rabies, despite its rarity in humans, and the need for increased vigilance in environments where humans and wildlife interact. Health officials recommend education and preventative measures to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
