Leah Seneng, a beloved 60-year-old middle school teacher in Dos Palos, California, died tragically last month from rabies, a rare but almost always fatal disease, after being bitten by a bat in her classroom. Seneng’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through her community, leaving friends, colleagues, and family in deep mourning while sparking urgent conversations about wildlife safety, rabies prevention, and the risks associated with even brief encounters with bats. This heartbreaking incident, which represents the first human rabies death in Fresno County in over three decades, serves as a somber reminder of the importance of public awareness and swift action in the face of potential rabies exposure.
Seneng, an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Merced County, was known for her warmth, creativity, and deep compassion, qualities that endeared her to her students and colleagues alike. Her tragic encounter with the bat occurred in mid-October when she discovered the animal inside her classroom. Longtime friend and fellow parent Laura Splotch recounted that Seneng, ever gentle and kind, attempted to help the bat return to the outdoors. “I don’t know if she thought it was dead or what, ’cause it was laying around her classroom and she was trying to scoop it up and take it outside,” Splotch explained. However, as Seneng tried to move the bat, it suddenly became active, possibly due to exposure to light, and bit her.
Despite the bite, Seneng initially showed no signs of illness. Rabies symptoms often take weeks or even months to appear, as the virus travels through the nervous system to the brain. This delay is part of what makes the disease so insidious and dangerous. In the weeks following the incident, Seneng continued her teaching duties and daily routines, unaware that the virus was progressing in her body. Tragically, it wasn’t until nearly a month later that she began to exhibit symptoms. When her condition rapidly deteriorated, her daughter rushed her to the hospital. Doctors immediately placed her in a medically induced coma in an attempt to manage the disease, but despite their best efforts, Seneng passed away on November 22, just four days after being admitted.
Friends and family were devastated by the sudden loss of a woman they described as a lover of life, an explorer, and an artist. “It’s just devastating to see her in that state, with all the machines hooked up and everything,” Splotch said, reflecting on her friend’s final days. “It was pretty upsetting and scary.” Seneng’s death not only left a void in the lives of those who knew her but also sent a ripple of sorrow through the broader community. Bryant Middle School released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of their cherished teacher and emphasizing their commitment to educating the community about the dangers of wildlife encounters. “We live and work in a community known to have bats and other wildlife around school grounds, and we will continue to help educate our community regarding the dangers associated with coming into direct contact with any wild animal, including bats,” the statement read.
Health officials from Fresno County, Merced County, and the California Department of Public Health confirmed that Seneng’s death was caused by rabies contracted from a bat bite. While cases of human rabies in the United States are exceedingly rare—fewer than 10 deaths are reported annually—the disease is almost always fatal if not treated promptly with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of rabies vaccines administered after potential exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bats are the most common source of human rabies in the U.S., responsible for the majority of deaths associated with the virus.
The circumstances of Seneng’s death have underscored the critical importance of immediate action following any potential exposure to bats or other rabies-carrying animals. Public health officials have reiterated the need for individuals who are bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to a bat to seek medical attention without delay. Even in cases where the bite seems minor or the animal appears non-threatening, the risk of rabies is too severe to ignore. Officials are also working to educate the public about the importance of avoiding direct contact with bats and other wildlife, emphasizing that even well-intentioned efforts to help an animal can carry serious risks.
In Seneng’s case, it appears that her initial contact with the bat was motivated by her characteristic kindness and respect for all living things. A lifelong lover of nature, Seneng often spent time exploring the outdoors and visiting the mountains where her mother lived. Her passion for art and the natural world was evident in her teaching and her personal life, where she frequently sought to inspire others through creativity and compassion. Splotch, who had been friends with Seneng for 15 years, described her as a “great explorer” who loved to learn, create, and share her enthusiasm with others. “She was a lover of life,” Splotch said. “She spent a lot of time in the mountains. She loved to explore the world.”
As an art teacher at Bryant Middle School, Seneng channeled her creativity and passion into her work, encouraging students to express themselves and discover the beauty of the world through art. Her legacy as an educator and artist lives on in the lives of the students she inspired and the colleagues who admired her dedication. In the wake of her passing, those who knew her have shared memories and tributes that reflect the profound impact she had on their lives. For Splotch, a gift from Seneng—an art piece bearing a thoughtful quote—now serves as a poignant reminder of their friendship and her friend’s vibrant spirit. “It’s very sweet that she would think of me and put this exact quote on there for me,” Splotch said. “It meant a lot to me. It means a lot to me now.”
While Seneng’s death has brought immense sorrow, it has also sparked important conversations about rabies prevention and wildlife safety. The Fresno County Department of Public Health has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat associated with this specific incident, but officials are continuing to investigate potential exposures and provide guidance to the community. The tragedy has highlighted the need for increased awareness about the risks of rabies, particularly in areas where wildlife is commonly found. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations have an opportunity to play a crucial role in educating the public about how to respond to encounters with bats and other animals that may carry the virus.
Rabies, caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases known to humanity. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal. However, the development of post-exposure prophylaxis has made rabies deaths largely preventable when treatment is sought promptly. The PEP protocol, which involves a series of injections administered over two weeks, is highly effective in preventing the virus from progressing to the symptomatic stage. Health officials emphasize that anyone who has had direct contact with a bat or other potentially rabid animal should consult a healthcare provider immediately, even if they do not notice a bite or scratch. Bats’ teeth and claws are so small that injuries may go unnoticed, making it critical to err on the side of caution.
As the investigation into Seneng’s death continues, local and state health departments are working to identify any other individuals who may have been exposed to the rabies virus in connection with the incident. While privacy laws prevent officials from disclosing specific details about their findings, the case has prompted renewed efforts to promote rabies awareness and prevention throughout the region. For many, Seneng’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need to respect wildlife and take precautions to protect both human and animal health.
In the days and weeks following Seneng’s passing, her friends, family, and community have come together to honor her memory and celebrate the life she lived. Her daughter, colleagues, and students have shared stories of her kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her work and her loved ones. Through their grief, they are determined to ensure that her legacy endures and that her story serves as a catalyst for greater understanding and awareness.
Leah Seneng’s death is a tragedy that has touched countless lives, but it is also a powerful call to action. By learning from her experience and working to prevent similar incidents in the future, her community—and the world—can honor her memory and carry forward the values she embodied. As health officials, educators, and community leaders continue to share information and resources about rabies prevention and wildlife safety, the hope is that no one else will have to face the heartbreak of losing a loved one to this preventable disease. For those who knew and loved Leah Seneng, her spirit lives on in the art she created, the students she inspired, and the memories she left behind.
