California teacher dies after being bitten by rabid bat in her classroom
A California school teacher has died after being bitten by a rabid bat in the middle school classroom where she taught art.
The Fresno Bee reports that the victim has been identified as Leah Seneng, 60, an artist and art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos. A GoFundMe has been organized to help pay for funeral and other expenses.
Officials believe Seneng was first exposed in late October. She showed up at a Fresno hospital Nov. 18 and died four days later. A friend speaking on behalf of the Seneng family, Laura Splotch, said that the bite happened Oct. 14 and that the bat had been in Seneng’s classroom.
Typically, it takes four to eight weeks for symptoms of the virus to become present in humans, during which time a vaccine can be administered. But once symptoms appear, the virus is almost always fatal, said Fresno County Deputy Health Officer Trinidad Solis.
Seneng may have been experiencing some symptoms several days prior to going to the hospital, according to the health department.
Although rabies can be deadly, cases — especially fatal ones — are extremely rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that fewer than 10 rabies deaths are reported in the United States each year.
