Bed bug (Cimex lectularis) outbreak: A cross-sectional study in Polour, Iran

Abstract

<span>Background: Cimex lectularius (bed bug) are insects abundantly found in hot, temperate areas. This study is related to the outbreak of Cimex lectularius in a construction site around Polour in Amol, Iran. This cross-sectional study has examined 182 prefabricated houses made of intermodal containers [Conex] converted to a temporary housing, in a construction site.</span><br /><span>Methods: The studied population comprised 1434 men. We used a questionnaire to gather information. The bugs were collected from the floor of the room, beds, bed sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattresses in each surface meter over a fixed time with the help of forceps and a flashlight.</span><br /><span>Results: From the 182 examined containers, 164 (approximately 90.1%) had evidence of contamination by bed bugs. From the examined people, 1243 (86.7%) had bug bites. Males between the ages of 35 to 44 (41.0 %) years had the most bites. The hands (38.3%) and abdominal area (23.7%) were the locations with the most bites.</span><br /><span>Conclusion: The study has shown that the bugs entered the site on second hand objects such as wooden beds. Consulting health experts and training people in areas that are suspicious for these bugs can decrease the problems caused by the bites.</span>