A Central California woman died from rabies after she was bitten by a bat, officials said Tuesday, in the first fatality from the saliva-passed disease in her county in more than 30 years.
Seneng, an art teacher, saw the bat in her classroom and didn't think anything of helping it get on its way, Splotch said.
"She found it in her classroom before school started and, being a kind-hearted person, she didn't want to hurt any animals.
This rabies death was the first in Fresno County since 1992, according to deputy health officer Dr. Trinidad Solis.
"Rabies is 100% preventable if individuals seek medical care right away," Solis told reporters last week, shortly after Seneng's passing.
Persons:
Leah Seneng, Laura Splotch, Seneng, Splotch, Megan Black, Black, Trinidad Solis, " Solis
Organizations:
Bryant Middle School, NBC, Merced County Public, Agnes Medical Center, Centers for Disease Control, CDC
Locations:
California, Dos Palos, Merced County, Fresno County, Bali