A California woman, Leah Seneng, 60, tragically passed away after contracting rabies, marking Fresno County’s first human case of the disease since 1992, according to local health officials.
Seneng, an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, was reportedly bitten by a bat she attempted to rescue in her classroom in mid-October.
Dr. Trinidad Solis, Deputy Health Officer for Fresno County, explained that rabies is a rare but fatal viral disease affecting the brain.
“Rabies is transmitted through saliva, usually via the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, there is no treatment, and the disease is almost always fatal,” she noted.
Seneng initially exhibited no signs of illness but developed symptoms approximately a month after the bat bite. She was hospitalized and succumbed to the disease just four days later.
Despite the tragic outcome, Fresno County health officials have assured the public that there is no immediate health threat. They are collaborating with the Merced County Health Department to identify any potential exposures and to provide post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to those who may be at risk.
Friends and colleagues remember Seneng as a kind-hearted teacher who was dedicated to both her students and wildlife. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist her family with funeral expenses, raising $1,500 as of Thursday.
Rabies, though rare in the US, remains a significant concern due to its high fatality rate. According to the CDC, around 60,000 Americans receive post-exposure treatment annually to prevent the disease. Health officials stress the importance of vaccinating pets and avoiding direct contact with wild animals, particularly bats, raccoons, and skunks, which are common rabies carriers.
In light of this incident, experts are reminding the public that early intervention is critical.
“Prevention is key… If exposed to a potentially rabid animal, seek immediate medical attention to receive PEP, which can prevent the onset of the disease,” emphasized Dr. Solis.
New York Post and FOX News contributed to this report.
