The Federal Government has urged travellers to surrender to port health officers at all points of entry into the country for thorough checks against bed bugs infestation.
This is coming after the bed bug outbreak in France and other parts of Europe.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made the request in a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe.
Pate said that the ministry remains committed to ensuring that appropriate public measures and responses are put in place to contain the bed bug infestation nationwide.
“He revealed that the Ministry has developed a draft sheet, which will be in circulation soon to strengthen awareness and health education on the control of bed bugs.
“Pate urged the public to cooperate with Port Health Officers at points of entry in the course of their surveillance activities.
“Bed bugs are small, flat reddish-brown wingless insects that infest beds, sofas, luggages and other furniture. They often crawl onto people’s body or luggage to travel to new surroundings.
“While they are not known to cause any illness, their bites cause discomfort, itching, anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression and allergies.
“Early detection is key to controlling their infestation, as they are capable of putting everyone at risk.”
