Art Teacher Dies From Rabies After Classroom Bat Encounter

Tragic Passing Highlights Importance of Rabies Awareness

Last month, a California art teacher tragically lost her life to rabies after possibly being bitten by a bat found in her classroom. Leah Seneng, 60, was hospitalized on November 18th and succumbed to the disease a few days later. Sadly, her death serves as a reminder of the potentially deadly nature of this disease often associated with wildlife contact.

According to a detailed account from her close friend, Laura Splotch, Seneng discovered a bat on the floor of her classroom before students arrived in the morning. She scooped it up to safely release it outside. Though initially seemingly fine, weeks later, Seneng experienced symptoms like fever and hand tremors.

The public health importance of prompt medical attention after a potential rabies exposure was highlighted by Seneng’s case. It’s unclear why Seneng did not seek immediate care after that initial bat encounter. While rabies is rare, with fewer than 10 deaths annually in the US, around 60,000 individuals receive post-exposure prophylaxis each year.

Most emergency departments have post-exposure treatment readily available. For unvaccinated individuals, the process includes a single dose of immune globulins and four vaccine doses over a two-week period.

Seneng’s passing underscores the importance of awareness and proactive measures regarding rabies.

Outside of humans, health experts say most rabies cases in the US are linked to bats. Signs a bat may carry rabies include abnormal behaviors such as difficulty flying, daytime activity, or being found inside homes. Skunks, foxes, and raccoons can also transmit rabies, emphasizing the importance of being cautious around wildlife.

What steps can be taken to effectively raise ​awareness about the risk of rabies,⁤ particularly focusing on interactions with animals like bats⁣ [[1](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/rabies)]?

Joining us today is ⁤Dr. Tanya LeRoith, hospital director at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. LeRoith, Seneng’s death sadly ‍reminds us that rabies is always‌ a potential threat. While rare,​ it’s 100% fatal once symptoms appear. Given this, do you think more needs to be done to raise awareness about the risk of rabies, particularly when‌ it comes to‍ interactions with animals like bats? Should ​there be stricter guidelines or educational campaigns about handling wildlife?