Art Teacher, 60, Dies of Rabies After Bat Bites Her in Classroom: ‘She Was Trying to Scoop It Up’

Mar. 15, 2025

Leah Seneng.Photo:Leah Seneng Facebook

Leah Seneng Facebook

Leah Seneng, 60, was wounded after she unexpectedly found the animal in her classroom at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos back in October, Laura Splotch, Seneng’s friend told local ABC affiliateKFSN.

“I don’t know if she thought it was dead or what caused it to be lying around her classroom and she was trying to scoop it up and take it outside,” Splotch told the outlet.

“She didn’t wanna harm it. But that’s when, I guess it woke up or saw the light or whatever.”

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Brown bat.Getty

Getty

It swooped around a bit and it took off," Splotch said of Seneng’s interaction with the bat.

On Nov. 22, four days after she was brought to the hospital, Seneng tragically died, reported KFSN andThe Fresno Bee.

Bryant Middle School.Google Maps

Google Maps

A Fresno County representative confirmed to KFSN andThe Fresno Beethat those exposed to Seneng have received medical attention. “To date, there has been vaccines administered to both health care workers and household contacts,” the rep said.

“As with any disease, close contacts/family members are notified and offered preventative care as they’re identified," a Mecerd County health official toldThe Fresno Bee.

Fresno County Deputy Health Officer Trinidad Solis added to the outlet that it typically takes four to eight weeks for symptoms of rabies to show in humans. If a vaccine is not administered before that time, then it is almost always fatal, he added.

“Usually the symptoms quickly progress,” Solis toldThe Fresno Bee.

Leah Seneng.GoFundMe

GoFundMe

Seneng’s family has set up aGoFundMeto cover her funeral expenses following “her unexpected death.”

“We ask for privacy for her family during this difficult time,” the fundraiser added. Currently, $1,837 has been raised from a $5,000 goal.

Speaking about the memory of her friend of 15 years, Splotch told KFSN, “She was a lover of life. She spent a lot of time in the mountains where her mother lived. She loved to explore the world, she’s a great explorer.”

source: people.com