The Rapid Increase in Bedbug Infestations Stabilizes... Government and Local Authorities Maintain Management Systems

The number of bedbug infestation reports, which had been rapidly increasing, has recently stabilized.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 21st, the number of bedbug infestations confirmed nationwide from the 11th to the 17th of this month was 51 cases. This is an increase of 4 cases compared to the previous week (4th to 10th), but it has been maintained at around 40 to 50 cases per week since the beginning of this month. The number of bedbug infestations peaked at 70 cases between the 20th and 26th of last month.

Since the government, in cooperation with related organizations, began responding to bedbugs on the 3rd of last month, the current number of bedbug infestations is considered to have entered a stable phase. However, it has been decided to maintain a constant management system for the time being.

The government warned that with the year-end and New Year holidays approaching, overseas travel is expected to increase, so people should carefully check whether bedbugs are inhabiting gaps in beds, sofas, and walls in accommodations. After returning from travel, luggage should be unpacked in a separate space, checked for bedbugs, and clothes should be washed at high temperatures and dried for more than 30 minutes. If bedbugs are found in travel bags, thorough cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner is necessary.