News Summary
The Douglas County School District has closed several properties, including the district office, due to a serious bat infestation linked to rabies and histoplasmosis. Although the public risk is considered low, officials have taken precautionary measures, urging residents to avoid handling bats and report possible exposures. The district is collaborating with pest control for safe removal and cleaning. Meanwhile, certain departments have temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School, and updates will be provided on the district’s website.
Minden, Nevada – The Douglas County School District has temporarily closed several properties due to a significant bat infestation, which poses potential health risks. The affected area is located at 1638 Mono Avenue. Recent testing has confirmed that bats found in the region have tested positive for rabies and for fungal spores responsible for histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory infection.
The school district has taken precautionary measures and closed several locations, including the district office, the dog park on County Road, and the playground and basketball court adjacent to the district office. Although officials maintain that the risk to the public remains low, exposure to bats can lead to serious health concerns. The district’s decision to close the district office came after staff members reported a strong odor and observed bats leaving the building, indicating that they were residing within the walls.
There have been no reports of any staff members coming into direct contact with the bats. In response to the infestation, the district is partnering with pest control experts for the removal of the bats and a thorough cleaning of the impacted areas. In light of the district office closure, various departments have been temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School. This includes the Superintendent, Business Services, Human Resources, Accounts, Grants, AGPM, and front desk services, all of which have moved to 1290 Toler Ave. Education Services, Inclusive Education, and Communications have been moved to the historic Gardnerville Elementary School building.
Health and Safety Precautions
Residents are being urged to exercise caution during this time. They are advised to avoid handling bats or disturbing areas with bat droppings and to keep pets leashed and away from wildlife. Individuals who believe they may have come into contact with bats or their droppings should seek immediate medical or veterinary assistance.
Context of Bat Infestation
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has indicated that bat activity is typically higher between May and October, with an average of 10 to 20 confirmed cases of bat rabies in the state each year. Earlier this year, positive rabies cases were also detected in bat populations around Carson City and Washoe County.
It is important for pet owners to maintain up-to-date rabies vaccinations for their animals, as rabies can be transmitted from bats to both humans and domestic pets. The Douglas County School District remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of its staff, students, and visitors during this time. Updates regarding the bat infestation and property closures will be posted on the school district’s official website.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
