South Koreans Grapple With Bed Bug Infestations After France, UK Overwhelmed: 'I'd rather have...Covid'

South Korea is facing a rapid increase in bedbug infestations, which has triggered swift action from the government to control the situation.

What Happened: Several areas in South Korea, such as university dormitories, public bathhouses, and train stations, are currently dealing with significant growth in bedbug population. From the end of October, the country has reported about thirty suspected or confirmed infestations, prompting a month-long government extermination effort, reported CNN

The country has been largely free of bedbugs since 2014, with only nine reported instances to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention (KDCA). This sudden resurgence follows similar incidents in France, the United Kingdom, and a rise in cases in the United States.

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There is a growing public concern and confusion, with pest control firms inundated with service requests and online platforms creating dedicated sections for pest management tips. The stigma associated with bedbug bites is also contributing to the public’s fear, despite the bugs not being disease carriers.

Comments from the public in South Korea are generally on the apprehensive side, one person said, “I'd rather have the Covid than bedbugs.”

The South Korean government is hastening the import of new pesticide types, and Seoul, the country’s capital, is initiating a “Bedbug Reporting and Management System” and a “Zero Bedbugs City, Seoul” program. Other measures include regular steam cleaning of subway seats and heightened inspections through the holiday season.

Why It Matters: South Korea’s sudden bedbug crisis is not an isolated event, as similar infestations have been reported in Paris, France and the UK.

In Paris, Airbnb Inc ABNB has reported no increase in bedbug cases in its accommodations but is taking additional precautions in light of recent media reports on infestations, reported Reuters.

Furthermore, Hong Kong authorities have started providing bedbug transmission and prevention leaflets to arriving airport passengers, in response to the infestations reported in South Korea, France, and the UK, according to Hong Kong Free Press HKFP.

Photo Courtesy: Andrey_Popov On Shutterstock.com

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