The Federal Government has heightened surveillance at all points of entry in the Country following the outbreak of bed bug infestation in France and other parts of Europe.
Director (Media & Public Relations), Federal Ministry of Health, Patricia Deworitshe disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
She informed that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensure that appropriate public measures and responses were put in place to contain the bed bug infestation nationwide.
He revealed that the Ministry had developed a draft sheet, which will be in circulation soon to strengthen awareness and health education on the control of bed bugs.
Pate urged the public to cooperate with Port Health Officers at points of entry in the course of their surveillance activities.
Bed bugs are small, flat reddish-brown wingless insects that infest beds, sofas, luggages, and other furniture. They often crawl onto people’s bodies or luggage to travel to new surroundings.
While they are not known to cause any illness, their bites cause discomfort, itching, anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, and allergies. Early detection is key to controlling their infestation, as they are capable of putting everyone at risk.
