The Puyallup School District is confronting a bat infestation at Edgerton Elementary School after officials documented at least eight live or dead bats inside the building since Sept. 14. The sightings span the mechanical room, a kindergarten hallway and the cafeteria/gym hallway, with the most recent dead bat discovered Thursday morning in the upstairs mechanical area.
Bat sightings and health response
Local health officials from the Tacoma‑Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) have advised post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for one staff member who had direct contact with a bat on Sept. 14, and for a student after an unconfirmed report of possible contact. A TPCHD spokesperson told KOMO News, “We recommended PEP for the staff member who had contact with a bat on Sept. 14. We also recommended PEP for a student out of an abundance of caution after an unconfirmed report that they possibly came into contact with a bat.”
Health department policy dictates that any captured bat linked to a human exposure be sent to the state public health lab for rabies testing. Bats not tied to a reported human contact are not tested. The agency noted that the last bat testing positive for rabies in Pierce County was in 2017, and the state has recorded only two human rabies cases in the past 75 years.
Public health guidance emphasizes immediate washing of any bite or scratch and prompt consultation with a health‑care provider to assess rabies risk and determine next steps.
District actions and next steps
School officials acknowledge that the source of the bats remains unknown. “They don’t know where they’re coming from. They don’t know where they’re roosting or anything,” said parent Sara Sutherland, who expressed concern for her child’s safety. Another parent, Ashley Williams, voiced disappointment that the school had not informed families earlier, noting the potential for disease transmission.
In response, the district is working with pest‑control contractors to seal gaps and openings that may allow bats entry. Pest control is scheduled to be on site over the weekend to address the issue, and three of the bats have been located in the mechanical room, a detail that may help pinpoint entry points.
School staff continue to monitor the premises for additional bats while regular updates are promised via the district’s communication channels. Until the investigation clarifies how the animals are accessing the building, officials say they must await further recommendations.
Parents remain uneasy, with Sutherland stating, “I feel a little left in the dark. There isn’t any information about the dangers that our children are being faced with.” The district’s ongoing collaboration with health officials and pest‑control teams aims to resolve the situation and restore confidence in the school environment.
Helene Elliott is the Lead Science & Space Reporter at News Raise. She reports on aerospace missions, astrophysics discoveries, quantum research, and environmental technology.
