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California teacher dies after being bitten by a bat inside her classroom
A central California teacher died last month after she was bitten by a bat that presumably had rabies inside her classroom, officials and a friend of the woman, marking the third such fatality in North America in recent weeks.
In the wake of Leah Seneng’s death on Nov. 22, public health officials are warning the public about the dangers of bats, which are the most common source of human rabies in the U.S. Even though fewer than 10 people in the country die from rabies each year, it is almost always fatal if not treated quickly.
Seneng, 60, found a bat in her classroom in mid-October, her friend Laura Splotch told KFSN-TV. She tried to scoop it up and take it outside but it bit her, Splotch said.
Seneng did not immediately have symptoms of rabies but she fell ill weeks later and was taken to the hospital, where she was put into a medically-induced coma and died days later, Splotch told the TV station.
“It’s devastating to see her in that state, with all the machines hooked up and everything, it was pretty upsetting and scary,” Splotch told KFSN.
According to her Facebook profile, Seneng was an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, California. The Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District, called Seneng “a dedicated and compassionate educator.”
“We were shocked to learn that Leah’s passing was related to contracting rabies, most likely from being bitten by a bat and we are cooperating with the Merced County Department of Public Health on their investigation,” the school district said in a statement. “We live and work in a community known to have bats and other wildlife around school grounds, and we will continue to help educate our community regarding the dangers associated with coming into direct contact with any wild animal, including bats.”
Merced County confirmed the rabies exposure but, due to privacy laws, did not release the deceased’s name. The California Department of Public Health confirmed that the victim died after contracting rabies.
“Bites from bats can be incredibly small and difficult to see or to detect. It is important to wash your hands and look for any open wounds after touching a wild animal, and to seek immediate medical care if bitten,” CDPH Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said in a statement. “It is always safest to leave wild animals alone. Do not approach, touch, or try to feed any animals that you don’t know.”
At least two other people in North America have died of rabies after encountering a bat in recent weeks. Last month, health officials in Canada announced that a child died from rabies after being exposed to a bat in their room. About a week before that, officials announced a U.S. citizen died from rabies after being exposed to a bat in western Minnesota in July.
How is rabies spread and what are the symptoms?
Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the nervous system in humans and animals, causing brain and spinal cord inflammation. It is typically spread to humans through direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal through scratching or biting.
Rabies is commonly found in bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks and some household pets. Without proper and prompt treatment after symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal in both animals and humans, according to Haldimand and Norfolk Health Services, where the child was admitted.
Treatment has proven to be nearly 100% effective at preventing the disease if someone is exposed, though it must start before symptoms appear.
Bats pose a unique risk because their scratches can be hard to notice due to their small teeth, and bats cannot be vaccinated through provincial programs, health officials said.
If bitten by an animal suspected of carrying the virus, health officials advise washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and immediately seeking medical attention.
According to the CDC, the incubation period of rabies may last from weeks to months, depending on the location of exposure, severity of exposure and age.
“The first symptoms of rabies, called prodrome, maybe like the flu, including weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. These symptoms may last for several days,” the CDC says.
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Why you should add 1-ounce gold bars to your gold IRA before 2025
Diversification is a cornerstone of any successful investment strategy — and that’s especially true when you’re investing for retirement. While there are lots of ways to diversify your investments, precious metals, and gold in particular, offer an effective way to hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation while providing tangible value. That makes the precious metal a smart bet when diversification is the goal.
Gold has also consistently proven its worth as a reliable store of value, especially over the past year. The price of gold has climbed dramatically since the start of 2024, breaking numerous price records, reflecting its enduring appeal amid inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability. While gold’s price has moderated a bit since hitting its latest milestone, the recent price shift presents a unique opportunity for investors to add gold to their portfolios at a favorable price point.
But for those with a gold individual retirement account (IRA) — which is a retirement account designed to hold physical precious metals — the case for adding gold, and 1-ounce gold bars in particular, to the mix is especially strong right now.
Find out what your gold investing options are here.
Why you should add 1-ounce gold bars to your gold IRA before 2025
Adding 1-ounce gold bars to your gold IRA before the new year could be one of the smartest financial moves you make right now for the following reasons:
To take advantage of current price corrections
After a remarkable rally earlier in 2024, gold prices have experienced a minor correction, presenting a rare opportunity for investors to buy in at a lower price point. Over the past few weeks, the price of gold has dropped from its October high of over $2,700 per ounce to approximately $2,650 per ounce, where it sits today.
While there’s no way to guarantee future performance, these types of gold price corrections have historically preceded sustained price growth. So by purchasing 1-ounce gold bars now, you can lock in this relatively lower price, optimizing your gold IRA for long-term appreciation. For retirement accounts, these corrections can be particularly advantageous because they allow you to acquire more gold for your dollar. As gold’s value continues to climb, this strategic entry point could significantly bolster the overall performance of your IRA portfolio.
Learn more about how gold could benefit your portfolio today.
To gain an effective inflation hedge
Inflation has moderated significantly over the last few months, but it remains a concern — especially with the latest data showing that consumer prices are creeping back upward. There’s also no telling what could happen with inflation in the future, and if it ticks back up significantly, it can have a big impact on the value of your retirement portfolio.
That’s where gold comes in. Gold’s reputation as a hedge against inflation is well-earned, maintaining its purchasing power even as fiat currencies lose value. So, adding 1-ounce gold bars to your gold IRA before the new year provides a double layer of security: protecting your retirement savings from inflation while offering growth potential. The standard weight and purity of 1-ounce bars make them ideal for this purpose. Their globally recognized value ensures that your investment retains its purchasing power regardless of the economic climate, safeguarding your retirement savings against devaluation.
For portfolio flexibility and liquidity
While there are many gold bar sizes to choose from, 1-ounce gold bars tend to be ideal for balancing flexibility and value within a gold IRA. They’re large enough to represent significant value while small enough to enable incremental buying and selling. This flexibility allows for more precise portfolio rebalancing, which is particularly important in retirement planning, where adapting to changing financial needs is critical.
These smaller gold bars are also easier to liquidate compared to larger bullion options, making them practical assets for retirees who may need to access their funds quickly. Their manageable size also simplifies secure storage within the custodial frameworks required for IRAs.
To align with institutional trends and increased demand
Central banks and institutional investors have been significantly increasing their gold holdings, signaling long-term confidence in the precious metal. As these institutions diversify their reserves to reduce reliance on fiat currencies, they are driving demand for physical gold, which often leads to higher prices.
Investing in 1-ounce gold bars now aligns your IRA strategy with this broader market trend. As institutional purchases grow, the supply of physical gold may tighten, potentially increasing the value of your investment. By acting before 2025, you position your gold IRA to benefit from these supply-demand dynamics.
The bottom line
As we near 2025, the case for including 1-ounce gold bars in your gold IRA is more compelling than ever. From capitalizing on current price corrections to safeguarding your retirement savings against inflation, these versatile assets offer a strategic blend of growth potential and stability. Their manageable size, rising institutional demand and long-term value make them an ideal addition to any diversified portfolio. And by acting now, you can position yourself to benefit from both gold’s enduring stability and its promising trajectory in the years ahead.
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