Simran Joshi
A California middle school teacher, Leah Seneng, tragically died after she was bitten by a bat in her classroom at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos. The 60-year-old educator, known for being very enthusiastic about life and travel, fell ill with rabies weeks after the bite and died on November 22, sending shock waves of mourning around her community.
A Fatal Encounter: Bat and its Consequences
Lea Seneng is an instructor. She was attacked by a bat when trying to pull it out. Lea Seneng found the bat at Bryant Middle School, her teaching location, in Dos Palos, California.
As relates by Laura Splotch, a friend, to KFSN, Leah wanted to rescue the creature. “I don’t know if she thought it was dead.”. Seneng’s attempts to collect the bat made it suddenly awake and fly away.
“She didn’t wanna harm it. But that’s when, I guess, it woke up,” Splotch said.
The bat bite did not seem to be anything bad since Seneng showed no initial symptoms of rabies, according to Splotch.
Nevertheless, about a month after that, Seneng’s condition worsened dramatically, prompting her to seek hospitalization. On November 22, four days after admission, Seneng died. Health officials later declared no widespread rabies threat in the area.
The Fresno and Merced County health departments are still investigating the unusual case.
“As with any disease, close contacts/family members are notified and offered preventative care,” officials stated.
Vaccinations have been given to the contacts of Seneng, who are health workers and family members. According to Trinidad Solis, Fresno County Deputy Health Officer, rabies is lethal without prompt vaccination.
“It usually takes four to eight weeks for symptoms to manifest in humans,” added Solis. The incident underscores that immediate medical attention should be received in case of any animal bite, according to officials.
Community and Family in Mourning: Remembering Leah Seneng
Seneng’s family is raising funds for her funeral through a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $5,000.The fundraiser has received $1,837 so far, reflecting community support during this tragic period.
“We ask for privacy for her family during this difficult time,” the campaign organizers requested. Friends and family remember Seneng as a vibrant, adventurous person who loved nature.
“She was a lover of life,” said her friend Laura Splotch, speaking to local news.
She loved spending time in the mountains where her mother lived, Splotch added. The sudden loss leaves a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew her.
Splotch reminisced about the 15-year friendship with her, describing Seneng as a great explorer who loved discovering new places. “She loved to explore the world, she’s a great explorer,” Splotch fondly shared.
The community has rallied around her family, showing solidarity through donations and shared memories.
Her death serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable consequences of rabies exposure. Even though she met a tragic end, Seneng’s adventurous spirit and kindness will inspire all of them.
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