Bedbugs: Public Health Wales releases statement amid infestation fears
Officials from Public Health Wales have sought to play down health concerns of bedbugs after a threat of an infestation in the UK.
Bedbugs have been reported across France, with many cases in Paris – particularly on the tube network in the French capital.
Several schools in the city have closed for cleaning over infestations and flights could be grounded if bugs are found on board.
There are fears that the infestation could spread to the UK due to the ongoing Rugby World Cup being held in France – with unsuspecting fans bringing them back through their belongings and suitcases.
Recommended reading
Here are the 7 tell-tale signs of an infestation – and how to get rid of them (The Scotsman)
Will bedbugs travel from Paris to the UK? They're already here, expert says (Sky News)
Bedbugs force closure of seven schools in France: minister (RFI)
Luton Council in Bedfordshire has already said it is carrying out an "alarming number" of jobs to get rid of bedbugs, while also issuing guidance on what its residents should do to prepare for a visit from a pest control officer.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has said the bedbug outbreak spreading to London’s public transport network is “a real source of concern”, adding that Transport for London (TfL) is “taking steps” to prevent the insects spreading across the city on its services.
Now, Public Health Wales has sought to downplay any concerns that the infestation could be a risk to public health – even if someone suffers bites.
In a statement, it said: “Bedbugs do not transmit any infectious diseases so they do not pose a public health risk.
“If individuals are bitten by bedbugs the effects will last around a week before disappearing.”
Public Health Wales added that people should take antihistamines if they experience any uncomfortable itching from the bites.
Uncomfortable itching
Bedbugs feed on blood by biting people, creating wounds that can be itchy but do not usually cause other health problems.
The small brown insects, close in size to apple seeds, hide in mattresses and box springs and emerge at night to bite and feed on blood.
They often live on furniture or bedding and can spread by being on clothes or luggage.
What should people do about bedbugs?
Professor Robert Smith, an entomologist at the University of Huddersfield, told Yahoo News UK that bedbugs are able live for many months and stay hidden in cracks and crevices during the day – making them hard to get rid of.
He advised leaving clothes zipped in suitcases while travelling to hotels, and not unpacking or putting clothed in hotel drawers to reduce the risk of picking up unwanted bugs.
He said: “Don't panic if you think you have bedbugs. The thought of these bloodsuckers might be unpleasant, but they don't carry or spread any human diseases as far as we know.
Watch: Paris mayor says 'no one is safe' from bedbugs infestation
"Washing bed clothes at a higher temperature or putting sheets in sealed bags in a freezer for a couple of days will kill some of them off."
Dr Richard Naylor, an entomologist at the University of Sheffield and a trustee at The Bed Bug Foundation, also recommends keeping bags and suitcases off the floor and away from the bed while travelling.
He told Yahoo News UK: "Bedbugs mainly forage at night. After feeding, they will look for somewhere to hide. If your bag or jacket is lying on the bed, they may well crawl into it.
"Getting rid of them can be physically demanding and requires good eyesight.
"It is essential to identify all the areas where the bugs are hiding and remove/kill them. If the infestation is already well established then it may be best left to the professionals."
