Distribution of Bedbug Guidebook to Travelers
Health Deputy Minister: "It's Just a Hygiene Issue... Don't Worry Too Much"
Hong Kong health authorities have taken proactive measures, including announcing inspections at the airport, as the recent outbreak of bedbugs in Korea has escalated into a social issue.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 9th, the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) strengthened education about bedbugs for travelers at the airport the previous day and stated that health officials would pay close attention to hygiene at the airport and on aircraft.
On the morning of the 9th, officials from the Yongsan-gu Public Health Center are conducting bedbug extermination work in the Dongja-dong goshiwon village in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Regarding this, Libby Lee, Hong Kong's Deputy Secretary for Health, said, "We are aware of the public concern about the influx of bedbugs into Hong Kong by Korean travelers," and urged, "Do not worry too much." She added, "From a medical perspective, bedbugs do not have a significant impact on health," explaining, "This is a hygiene issue that needs to be addressed."
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced that government agencies would conduct on-site inspections at the airport in the future to provide technical advice on bedbug prevention and control. They have also started distributing informational brochures about bedbugs to air travelers.
Hong Kong media have been giving considerable coverage to the news of bedbug outbreaks in Korea daily. Along with this, they are informing the public about precautions and response measures if bedbugs are found, but there has been no movement yet to cancel or avoid travel to Korea.
A representative from Hong Kong travel agency EGL Tour said on a radio program the previous day, "No customers have canceled trips to Korea, and I am not worried either," adding, "We have only heard about bedbugs through media reports, and we have not received any complaints from customers or guides returning from Korea." He also noted, "Similar incidents have occurred in many hotels in Paris, France, and other European regions over the past two to three months," and added, "However, we have not seen an increase in travel cancellations or refusals to travel to those areas. I believe this will remain a short-term issue."
Chan Wai-kung, Vice President of the Hong Kong Pest Control Personnel Association, said, "Bedbugs appeared once in Hong Kong about 10 to 20 years ago but were eradicated through regular pest control and enhanced hygiene," advising, "Travelers should avoid placing their bags on hotel floors, carpets, or wooden surfaces, and use a flashlight to check bed frames and mattresses."
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