A California teacher has died after being bitten by a bat in her classroom, marking the third reported fatality of rabies in North America in recent weeks. Leah Seneng, 60, found a bat in her class in October and tried to remove it but was bitten instead.
According to public health officials, Seneng’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by bats, which are a common source of human rabies in the US. Rabies is nearly always fatal if not treated promptly, with treatment proving to be effective only when administered before symptoms appear.
The California Department of Public Health confirmed that Seneng died after contracting rabies from being bitten by a bat. Her school district released a statement expressing shock at her passing and promising to educate the community about the risks associated with wildlife.
Health officials are warning the public about the importance of washing hands thoroughly and seeking immediate medical care if bitten by an animal suspected of carrying the virus. Bats can spread rabies through small scratches, which can be difficult to notice due to their tiny teeth.
According to the CDC, symptoms of rabies may include weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache, as well as prickling or itching sensations at the site of the bite. Prompt medical attention is crucial in preventing the disease from progressing, and treatment has proven to be nearly 100% effective when administered promptly.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-teacher-dies-bitten-bat-classroom