During the rescue attempt, the bat woke up and bit Seneng, as recounted by her friend Laura Splotch.

She was hospitalized on November 18, 2024, and placed in a medically induced coma, but unfortunately passed away four days later on November 22.

Health officials confirmed rabies as the cause of Seneng's illness after testing samples, marking the first reported human case of rabies in Fresno County since 1992.

Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, California, tragically died from rabies after being bitten by a bat in her classroom.

The incident occurred in mid-October 2024 when Seneng discovered a bat in her classroom and attempted to rescue it, believing it might be dead.

Seneng did not seek immediate medical attention after the bite and fell ill about a month later, prompting her daughter to take her to the hospital.

Rabies is a viral disease that can lead to nearly 100% mortality if untreated, with symptoms that can take four to eight weeks to appear.

In response to the incident, health departments in Fresno and Merced counties are investigating and have provided medical attention, including vaccines to those exposed to Seneng.

This incident underscores the importance of rabies awareness, as approximately 60,000 Americans receive preventive treatment for rabies each year after potential exposure.

Following Seneng's death, health officials are urging Californians to exercise caution around wild animals and seek immediate medical attention for potential rabies exposure.

Despite this tragic case, the Fresno County Department of Public Health reported no current public threat of rabies exposure in the area.

Seneng's family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her funeral expenses, which has raised over $2,500.