Haenam-gun Activates Joint Task Force to Combat Bedbugs

Proactive Bedbug Spread Prevention with Intensive Inspections at 439 Locations in the District

Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, has recently formed a joint task force since the 24th to fully respond to the growing concerns over the spread of bedbugs following their occurrence in foreign workers' accommodations in nearby areas.

According to the county on the 27th, the joint task force, led by Vice County Governor Kim Cha-jin, consists of eight departments, including the county health center and those managing foreign workers' accommodations, lodging businesses, and bathhouses.

So far, there have been no reported cases of bedbugs within the county, so the focus is on alleviating residents' anxiety and prevention.

A public health center employee is visiting a home reported for suspected bedbugs and conducting an on-site inspection.

In particular, the period until December 8 has been designated as an intensive inspection period, during which hygiene management will be strengthened by inspecting 439 facilities at high risk of bedbug occurrence.

The main targets of this intensive inspection include 75 lodging businesses, 8 bathhouses, 5 medical institutions, 328 foreign workers' accommodations, and 23 social welfare living facilities.

Earlier, since the 13th, the county has been inspecting lodging and bathhouse businesses for compliance with hygiene management standards, including disinfection practices, cleanliness of rooms and bedding, and the presence of bedbugs.

In principle, business operators are responsible for self-pest control in case of bedbug occurrence; however, for vulnerable groups who find self-control difficult, the health center's pest control team will provide support.

A county official stated, “Bedbugs are not vectors that transmit infectious diseases, so there is no need for excessive anxiety,” adding, “We will provide accurate information about bedbugs and do our best to prevent their spread within the county.”