A California woman has died in the first human case of the disease in Fresno County since 1992

A California woman died of rabies after she was allegedly bitten by a bat in her classroom, according to Fresno County health officials.

The woman, later identified as Leah Seneng, 60, became the first case of rabies in Fresno County since 1992.

“In general, rabies is a disease that affects the brain, and it is very rare. But when it grows, it can cause serious consequences,” said Dr. Trnidad Solis, deputy health officer of the Fresno County Health Department. “It is spread by saliva; it does not travel through the air.”

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Seneng, a former art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, was bitten by a bat when he tried to rescue it from his classroom, in a stall. ABC30 reported.

She first encountered the bat in October, but didn’t show symptoms until a month later, according to Fresno County health officials. He was admitted to the hospital and died four days later.

Leah Seneng was an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, California. (Map Quest)

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“The route that is usually transmitted is through the bite of an animal with rabies. With rabies, unfortunately, there is no cure. Therefore, when the symptoms begin, there is no treatment, and usually when they appear, they are usually fatal. So we want the public to know that protection is important in preventing rabies infection,” said Solis.

Fresno County officials do not believe there is a threat to public health at this time, but are working with the Merced County Health Department to identify any other possible exposures and administer vaccines.

Health experts recommend that people and pets be vaccinated against rabies. (Stock)

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Seneng’s co-workers have opened a GoFundMe account to help his family at this time.