News Summary
The Douglas County School District has closed several properties, including its district office, due to a bat infestation that has tested positive for rabies and fungal spores. The closures are precautionary, as staff reported strong odors and bat sightings, though no direct contact has been reported. Affected departments have temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School. Officials advise residents to avoid handling bats and ensure pets are kept leashed. Updates will be provided on the district’s website as the situation develops.
Minden, Nevada – The Douglas County School District has closed several properties due to a reported bat infestation that was found to contain bats testing positive for rabies and fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory infection. The affected location is at 1638 Mono Avenue, and while the district indicates that the risk to the public is low, they are taking these precautions to address potential health concerns.
The specific areas closed include the district office, a nearby dog park located on County Road, and the playground and basketball court adjacent to the district office. This decision was made after staff members reported a strong odor and sightings of bats departing from the building, indicating that the bats have been residing within the walls of the district office.
Fortunately, no staff members have reported direct contact with the bats, allowing the district to focus on a safe removal process. The district is actively collaborating with pest control professionals to address the infestation and ensure thorough cleaning of the affected areas.
In light of the closures, several departments have been temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School, which is located at 1290 Toler Ave. These include the Superintendent’s office, Business Services, Human Resources, Accounts, Grants, AGPM, and front desk services. Other departments such as Education Services, Inclusive Education, and Communications will be housed at the historic Gardnerville Elementary School building during this time.
Residents are being advised to avoid handling bats or disturbing areas that may contain bat droppings due to the potential health risks involved. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to keep their pets leashed and away from wildlife. If any individuals suspect they have come into contact with bats or their droppings, they are advised to seek medical attention or veterinary assistance immediately.
Updates regarding the situation will be provided on the school district’s official website, www.dcsd.net, as more information becomes available.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has noted that bat activity in the state typically increases from May through October, contributing to an annual average of 10 to 20 rabies cases confirmed in bat populations. Previous positive rabies cases have also been identified in bat populations in Carson City and Washoe County earlier this year.
It is important for all pet owners to ensure that their pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, as rabies is a transmittable disease that can affect both humans and domestic animals. The risk posed by bats is particularly significant given their role as carriers of rabies.
As the Douglas County School District continues to manage this situation, they emphasize the importance of public health and safety, deploying necessary resources to eliminate the threat posed by the bats and keep the surrounding communities informed and safe.
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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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