Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old middle school teacher from Dos Palos, California, tragically passed away after being bitten by a bat in her classroom at Bryant Middle School in October. According to her friend Laura Splotch, Seneng discovered the bat in her classroom and attempted to scoop it up, likely intending to release it outside. However, the bat unexpectedly woke up, flew around, and bit Seneng during the interaction. At first, Seneng did not show symptoms of rabies, but her condition deteriorated about a month later.
Splotch explained that Seneng’s health worsened significantly around November, leading her daughter to admit her to the hospital. After being placed in a coma, Seneng’s condition continued to decline, and she tragically passed away on November 22, just four days after being hospitalized. The incident has raised concerns about rabies exposure, though local health authorities have stated that there is no current public threat in the area.
In response to Seneng’s death, health departments in Fresno and Merced counties have been conducting investigations. Officials confirmed that those who had close contact with Seneng, including healthcare workers and family members, have received medical attention and rabies vaccinations as a precaution. The Fresno County Department of Public Health emphasized that rabies symptoms typically take four to eight weeks to develop in humans, and without prompt vaccination, rabies is almost always fatal.
Despite the tragedy, there is no indication of further risk to the public, as the health authorities continue to monitor the situation. Seneng’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover her funeral expenses, raising nearly $2,000 of their $5,000 goal. In their request for privacy, the family is grieving the loss of a beloved teacher and friend.
Seneng’s friend, Laura Splotch, fondly remembered her as a vibrant, adventurous person who loved life and exploring the world. She had a deep connection to nature and spent a lot of time in the mountains, where her mother lived. Splotch’s heartfelt tribute highlights Seneng’s passion for adventure and her impact on those around her.
