News Summary
The Douglas County School District has closed several properties after discovering a significant bat infestation at 1638 Mono Avenue. Bats in the area tested positive for rabies and histoplasmosis spores, prompting precautionary measures for public health. Key areas, including the district office and nearby recreational facilities, have been closed. Staff members have relocated during this period while pest control manages the situation. Residents are advised to avoid bat encounters and ensure pets are vaccinated. Updates will be provided on the district’s website.
Minden, Nevada – The Douglas County School District has closed several properties after a serious bat infestation was discovered at 1638 Mono Avenue. The closure follows reports that bats in the area tested positive for rabies and for fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory infection. Although the school district emphasized that the risk to public health remains low, they have taken these precautionary measures to protect staff and visitors from potential health risks associated with exposure to bats.
The affected areas include the district office, the dog park on County Road, and the playground and basketball court adjacent to the district office. The decision to close these facilities was prompted by staff complaints about a strong odor and confirmed sightings of bats exiting the building, which indicated that the bats had made their home within the walls of the district office.
Fortunately, no staff members have reported direct contact with the bats. In response to the situation, the school district is collaborating with pest control services for the removal of the bats and for the cleaning of the affected facilities. During this closure period, several departments from the district office have temporarily relocated to Gardnerville Elementary School, situated at 1290 Toler Ave. Departments including Superintendent, Business Services, Human Resources, Accounts, Grants, AGPM, and front desk services are now housed there. Meanwhile, Education Services, Inclusive Education, and Communications have moved to the historic Gardnerville Elementary School building.
In light of the confirmed bat activity and health risks, residents are advised to exercise caution. They are urged to avoid handling bats and to refrain from disturbing areas where bat droppings may be present. Additionally, keeping pets leashed and away from wildlife is encouraged to minimize any potential encounters with bats. Furthermore, maintaining rabies vaccinations for pets is crucial, as the disease can be transmitted from bats to both humans and domestic animals. Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to bats or bat droppings should seek medical or veterinary assistance promptly.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has reported that bat activity typically increases between May and October, with an average of 10 to 20 confirmed cases of bat rabies occurring each year. In previous years, positive rabies cases have been detected in bat populations in nearby counties, including Carson City and Washoe County in 2025.
Updates regarding the bat infestation and the status of closures will be made available on the school district’s official website at www.dcsd.net. The district remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community while addressing this significant concern.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
