News Summary

The Douglas County School District has closed several properties after a bat infestation was discovered that tested positive for rabies and hazardous spores. Affected areas include district offices and a nearby dog park, with the move aimed at protecting public health. While the risk to the public is considered low, precautions are being taken, including relocating some departments. Residents are urged to avoid handling bats and keep pets leashed to prevent possible exposure to rabies, especially as bat activity increases in the warmer months.

Douglas County School District Closes Properties Due to Bat Infestation Testing Positive for Rabies

Minden, Nevada – The Douglas County School District has closed several properties following the discovery of a bat infestation at 1638 Mono Avenue. Bats found in the area tested positive for rabies and hazardous fungal spores linked to histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. While the school district indicates that the risk to the public remains low, potential exposure can lead to severe health issues.

Areas affected by the closure include the district office, the nearby dog park on County Road, and the playground and basketball court adjacent to the district office. This closure is being implemented as a precaution to safeguard the health and safety of staff and visitors.

The decision to shut the district office was made after staff members noted a strong odor and reported sightings of bats leaving the building. Authorities discovered that the bats were likely residing within the structure’s walls, leading to immediate action to address the situation. Fortunately, no staff members have had direct contact with the bats, which helps mitigate the risk of rabies transmission.

The school district is actively collaborating with pest control services for the safe removal of the bats and to conduct a thorough cleaning of the impacted areas. In the meantime, several departments from the district office have been temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School, located at 1290 Toler Ave. These departments include Superintendent, Business Services, Human Resources, Accounts, Grants, AGPM, and front desk services. Education Services, Inclusive Education, and Communications will continue their operations at the historic Gardnerville Elementary School building.

Residents in the surrounding area are urged to avoid handling bats or disturbing locations with bat droppings. Additionally, pet owners should keep their animals leashed and away from wildlife, as this can help prevent potential encounters with bats or other animals that may carry the rabies virus. Health officials recommend that individuals who suspect they have come in contact with bats or their droppings seek advice from medical or veterinary professionals promptly.

According to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, bat activity tends to rise from May through October, during which time the state sees between 10 and 20 confirmed cases of rabies in bats each year. Prior positive rabies cases had also been reported in bat populations in Carson City and Washoe County, with cases documented as recently as 2025. Consequently, pet owners are encouraged to maintain current 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 keeping the community informed, with updates about the situation being provided on their official website at www.dcsd.net. As the situation evolves, the district is focused on ensuring the well-being of staff and community members while effectively managing the bat infestation.

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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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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.