Establishing a Comprehensive Response System Focused on Vulnerable Facilities Such as Lodging Businesses and Bathhouses
Infectious Disease Management Division as Control Tower and On-site Inspections Linked with Relevant Departments
Reports of bedbug sightings are flooding in nationwide, and with official confirmations, a new term "bedbug phobia" has even emerged. In this situation, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, which is still a clean area, is attracting attention by putting all its efforts into preventing and controlling the spread of bedbugs.
According to Seo-gu on the 14th, the Infectious Disease Control Division is acting as the control tower, actively responding through relevant departments.
They have established a comprehensive response system covering lodging businesses, bathhouses, jjimjilbangs, gosiwon (small rooms for rent), boarding houses, school facilities (dormitories), foreigner facilities, cultural and sports facilities, and transportation facilities.
At the beginning of this month, a cooperation letter to strengthen quarantine measures to prevent the spread of bedbugs was sent to each department, and each department delivered bedbug information booklets along with prevention guidelines and response instructions upon discovery to vulnerable facilities. These materials are also posted on the district office's SNS for publicity.
Additionally, a system to report suspected bedbug cases and track actual occurrences has been established, encouraging voluntary inspections in cooperation with facility managers. Joint inspections and mandatory disinfections are also conducted for vulnerable facilities.
In particular, for 145 lodging businesses and 33 bathhouse businesses classified as vulnerable facilities, a "checklist" is used to conduct both self-inspections by the businesses and on-site inspections.
For 150 lodging businesses with 20 or more rooms, which are mandatory disinfection facilities, inspection sheets were distributed and responses requested. Seo-gu will conduct on-site inspections for 27 lodging businesses with fewer than 20 rooms and one bathhouse providing jjimjilbang services.
Furthermore, special attention is being paid to senior leisure facilities. Confirmation and preliminary checklists were distributed to all 239 senior centers and nursing centers in the district, and on-site inspections will be conducted if necessary.
To this end, two inspection teams composed of three public hygiene team members and three honorary public hygiene monitors are operating.
So far, no suspected bedbug reports have been received in the Gwangju area, but the status of professional pest control companies has been reorganized to provide immediate guidance if residents request professional pest control services.
A Seo-gu official said, "Bedbugs do not transmit infectious diseases, but their bites cause hives and itching," adding, "Although no reports have been received in the Gwangju area so far, we will do our utmost to minimize damage through proactive measures in case of occurrence."
Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho yjm3070@asiae.co.kr
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