News Summary
The Douglas County School District has temporarily closed several properties due to a bat infestation at its office location in Minden, Nevada. Bats testing positive for rabies heightened health concerns, prompting the district to close nearby areas until proper measures can be taken. Pest control is actively working to remove the bats and sanitize the location. Community members are advised to exercise caution around wildlife and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies. The district emphasizes the low public risk but is taking critical steps to prioritize safety.
Douglas County, Nevada
The Douglas County School District has temporarily closed several properties following a bat infestation at a property located at 1638 Mono Avenue in Minden, Nevada. This precautionary move comes after bats residing within the building tested positive for rabies and fungal spores responsible for histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory disease.
Details of the Closure and Health Concerns
The school district notes that, although the risk to the general public remains low, exposure to infected bats can pose significant health risks, especially to individuals who might come into direct contact with the animals or contaminated materials. As a safety measure, the district closed off several areas including the district office, a nearby dog park on County Road, and the playground and basketball court adjacent to the district office building.
The decision to close the district office was prompted by reports from staff members who noticed a strong odor emanating from the building and observed bats leaving the premises. Investigations confirmed that bats had taken residence within the walls of the district office, raising concerns about potential health hazards. No staff members have reported direct contact with the bats, and officials stress that the threat level remains manageable with proper precautions.
Measures Taken by the School District
The district is actively working with pest control professionals to safely remove the bats and thoroughly clean the affected areas to prevent further spread of infection. As part of safeguarding operations, several district departments have been temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School, located at 1290 Toler Ave. Specifically, the Superintendent’s Office, Business Services, Human Resources, Accounts, Grants, AGPM, and front desk services have moved to this location.
Additionally, departments including Education Services, Inclusive Education, and Communications are operating out of the historic Gardnerville Elementary School building. The school district states that the relocations are temporary and intended to protect staff and visitors until the infection risk has been mitigated.
Community Advisory and Safety Tips
The district advises residents to exercise caution around bats and areas with bat droppings. People are strongly discouraged from handling bats directly or disturbing areas where bats are active. Pet owners are advised to keep their animals leashed and away from wildlife, especially bats and their droppings, to reduce potential exposure to rabies.
Furthermore, the school district emphasizes the importance of maintaining current rabies vaccinations for pets. Rabies can be transmitted from infected bats to domestic animals and humans, making vaccination a critical preventive step. Residents experiencing any contact with bats or bat droppings should seek immediate medical or veterinary attention.
Context and Regional Bat Activity
The Nevada Department of Agriculture reports that bat activity generally increases from May through October. Annually, there are between 10 to 20 confirmed cases of rabies in bat populations across Nevada. Previous years have seen positive rabies tests among bats in nearby regions, including Carson City and Washoe County in 2025, underscoring the importance of vigilance during periods of high activity.
The department recommends consistent rabies vaccinations for pets and advises residents to stay informed about local wildlife activity. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates through the school district’s website.
Summary
In summary, the Douglas County School District has closed multiple properties after discovering a bat infestation harboring rabies-positive bats. The affected areas are being treated and sanitized, and staff have been temporarily relocated to ensure safety. Community members are urged to stay cautious, avoid handling bats, and keep pets vaccinated while awaiting further updates from local health authorities and the school district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KOLO TV: Bats Force Closure of Some Douglas County School District Properties
- Wikipedia: Bats
- Record Courier: Bat Infestation Closes Douglas School Administration Building
- Google Search: Bat Infestation
- Record Courier: Bat with Rabies Confirmed in Carson City
- Google Scholar: Rabies in Bats
- 2 News: Bats Found Prompt Temporary Closure of Douglas County School District Office Property
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- Los Angeles Times: Create a Bat Habitat Garden
- Google News: Bats in Nevada
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