A schoolteacher in central California died of rabies after being bitten by a bat found in her classroom, officials and her friend said, prompting public health warnings about interacting with “wild or unfamiliar animals”.
The woman died at a hospital in late November, about a month after being bitten by a “presumably rabid bat,” the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said, without naming her.
The school district and the teacher’s friend, Laura Splotch, identified her as Leah Seneng, 60. Splotch said Seneng had been working at a school in Dos Palos when she was bitten, which local media identified as Bryant Middle School.
Seneng was “a dedicated and compassionate educator,” the Dos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified School District said in a statement cited by the Associated Press. “We were shocked to learn that Leah’s passing was related to contracting rabies, most likely from being bitten by a bat,” it added, noting that it was supporting the investigation of county health officials.
“We live and work in a community known to have bats and other wildlife around school grounds,” it said, adding that it would “continue to help educate our community” about their dangers.
Stuff
Face of the Day
Splotch said Seneng had been working at a school in Dos Palos when she was bitten, which local media identified as Bryant Middle School.
Related
Face of the Day
The Top Gun star was very frail at the end and his death from pneumonia came after a steep decline over the past week.
Faces of the Day
At a speech at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Monday night, local time, Mendes was joined on stage by the four actors who will play The Beatles.
Contempt of the Day
Three Te Pāti Māori MPs say they refuse to attend Parliament’s Privileges Committee hearing over concerns their “fundamental” legal rights are being ignored.
Weirdo of the Day
NZ First leader and Deputy Prime Minister Peters has argued Doyle’s posts warrant investigation, including by the police.
Latest
Good Oil Backchat
Please read our rules before you start commenting on The Good Oil to avoid a temporary or permanent ban.
Can Golden Dome Survive Ponderous Planning?
There must be a process put in practice to ensure the timely development and employment of Golden Dome, rather than depending on the Pentagon’s standard approach.
What They’re Not Telling You About Tariffs
The loudest whingers are the worst offenders.