News Summary
The Douglas County School District has closed multiple locations, including the district office and a nearby dog park, due to a bat infestation that tested positive for rabies. Staff had reported a strong odor and sightings of bats, prompting swift action for public safety. The district is working with pest control for removal and cleanup, while relocating essential services. Residents are advised to avoid handling bats and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies as a precautionary measure. The situation is under continued monitoring.
Minden, Nevada – The Douglas County School District has closed several properties as a precautionary measure following a bat infestation that tested positive for rabies. The affected location is situated at 1638 Mono Avenue, and includes the district office, a nearby dog park on County Road, and a playground and basketball court adjacent to the district office.
Authorities have confirmed that bats found in the area not only tested positive for rabies but also for fungal spores associated with histoplasmosis, a respiratory infection that can pose serious health risks. While the overall risk to the public remains low, the district has moved swiftly to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors.
The closure decision came after staff reported a strong odor indicating the presence of bats, as well as sightings of these animals leaving the building. Reports indicate that the bats are likely residing within the walls of the district office, which prompted the urgent response.
To mitigate the issue, the Douglas County School District is collaborating with pest control services for the safe removal of the bats and to clean the affected areas. As a consequence of these developments, various departments from the district office have been temporarily relocated. The Superintendent, along with other key departments including Business Services, Human Resources, Accounts, Grants, AGPM, and front desk services, are now operating from Gardnerville Elementary School, located at 1290 Toler Avenue. Meanwhile, Education Services, Inclusive Education, and Communications have moved to the historic Gardnerville Elementary School building.
Residents in the area have been advised to refrain from handling bats or disturbing areas with bat droppings. It is also recommended that pet owners keep their animals leashed and away from wildlife to prevent possible exposure to rabies and other diseases. The district has made clear that no staff members have had direct contact with the bats during this incident.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has highlighted that bat activity tends to increase from May through October, with approximately 10 to 20 confirmed cases of bat rabies annually within the state. Previous instances of positive rabies cases in bat populations have been recorded in nearby Carson City and Washoe County in 2025.
As a further precaution, residents are urged to keep rabies vaccinations up to date for their pets, since rabies has the potential to be transmitted from bats to both humans and domestic animals. Individuals who believe they have come into contact with bats or bat droppings are encouraged to seek medical or veterinary assistance for their safety.
The Douglas County School District has committed to providing updates regarding the situation on their official website, www.dcsd.net, to keep the community informed as the situation develops.
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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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