A central California middle school teacher has died from rabies after being bitten by a suspected bat, local health officials said.
The victim’s death was reported last Tuesday. Fresno County Public Health confirmed that the victim contracted rabies in Merced County.
Friends identified the victim as Leah Senen, 60, an artist and art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos.
“Following her sudden death, we are raising money for her family to pay for her funeral costs. We ask for privacy for her family at this difficult time and would like to thank you for your donations. Thank you. Every little bit helps,” Laura Splotch wrote in the GoFundMe campaign.
Leah Senen is pictured in the GoFundMe campaign. (Laura Spucci)
Sproch told a local television station that Sennen was bitten after finding a bat in her classroom in mid-October and picking it up to move outside.
“She didn’t want to hurt it, but then I think it woke up or saw a light or something like that. It just kind of swooped down and took off,” Sprock said. said.
Sproch said Sennen initially had no symptoms, but became seriously ill about a month later. Her daughter took her to the hospital on November 18th, where she fell into a coma. She died four days later.
Health officials said they are conducting contact tracing with hospitals and health care workers who cared for the victim.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, excessive salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion.
Source link