Bat infestation at NAU dorm in Flagstaff forces relocation for 500+ students
Officials confirm one bat tested positive for rabies
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — A dormitory at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff is being closed temporarily after multiple bats, including one that tested positive for rabies, found their way inside.
The relocation involves approximately 550 NAU students, who live at Mountain View Hall, which is described as a suite-style campus living community that primarily houses freshmen and sophomores. It has four housing wings.
Due to health concerns, all students at the dorm are being relocated to nearby housing until the end of the semester. Move-out began on Friday and will continue into the weekend.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials confirmed that a bat recovered from inside Mountain View Hall in early September tested positive for rabies. No injuries have been reported, but school officials say that numerous bats have been seen in the building since, including five in the past few days.
An Arizona’s Family photographer captured video of a bat hanging from the ceiling of a common area on Friday morning.
A phone number has been established for information and for making reports. Students and staff are asked to call (928) 523-4227 if a bat is seen in a dorm room or other enclosed spaces. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat is also urged to call that line.
NAU officials say anyone who sees a bat in a room should leave immediately or avoid going inside, then close all doors and call the reporting line.
Rabies is a virus spread by the bite of an infected animal or through direct contact with its saliva. Following a health assessment by CCHHS, school officials say a few students have received the rabies vaccine as “a cautionary measure.”
Where are the students being moved to?
A message sent to residents, says students who live in the C and D wings are moving out on Friday from 3 p.m. to approximately 7 p.m. Residents of the A and B wings will be moving on Saturday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
“Specific details on timing, new apartment keys/room assignments, and more will be shared directly with residents,” a portion of the message reads.
NAU also released the following statement to Arizona’s Family:
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