The death of a person with rabies has been confirmed by Fresno County health officials. According to the Public Health Department, the patient in Merced County was likely attacked by a bat.
The patient was Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old teacher at Dos Palos’ Byrant Middle School. Since their children became friends in kindergarten, Laura Splotch and Leah have known each other for almost 15 years.
Splotch claimed that Leah’s gentle nature and passion for the arts were what united the two women.
“She was a lover of life. She spent a lot of time in the mountains where her mother lived. She loved to explore the world, she’s a great explorer,” Splotch stated.
Seneng worked as an artist. Splotch claimed that she used that love to pursue a career teaching art, most recently at Bryant. Leah discovered a bat in her classroom while Splotch was visiting the school in mid-October.
“I don’t know if she thought it was dead or what cause it was laying around her classroom and she was trying to scoop it up and take it outside. She didn’t wanna harm it. But that’s when, I guess it woke up or saw the light or whatever it swooped around a bit and it took off,” Splotch stated.
According to Splotch, Seneng showed no signs of rabies in the days after the assault.
Seneng became unwell about a month later, and her daughter brought her to the hospital, where she was put into a coma right away. Seneng passed away on November 22, four days later.
“It’s just devastating to see her in that state, with all the machines hooked up and everything, it was pretty upsetting and scary,” Splotch stated.
According to the Fresno County Department of Public Health, there is currently no hazard to the public. Other potential exposures are also being investigated by the health departments of Fresno County and Merced County.
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A present from a longtime friend to Splotch now serves as a reminder of Seneng’s brilliance and vitality for life as her friends and family grieve her demise.
“It’s very sweet that she would think of me and put this exact on there for me. It meant a lot to me, it means a lot to me now,” Splotch stated.
To support Seneng’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been established.
