Rising bedbug reports raise concerns in South Korea
South Korea is grappling with a bedbug infestation. Since September, there have been constant reports of these insects across the country. Nearly 20 bedbug incidents have been documented solely in Seoul, causing concern over a potential plague in the densely populated capital.
2:09 PM EST, November 8, 2023
The significant rise in bedbug instances in South Korea has been observed for roughly three months. Back in September, Keimyung University, stationed in Daegu city, reported bedbug bites among its students residing in dorms - according to The Korea Times. Since then, similar incidents have been witnessed throughout the nation, including the metropolitan area of Seoul.
In October, reports were filed of insects and their larvae found beneath floor mats in a public sauna in Incheon. Seoul alone has experienced almost 20 reports of bedbugs in common areas. This has raised worries regarding the outbreak of a potential plague in the densely populated capital city, which is home to around 9.4 million people.
While bedbugs do not spread infectious diseases, they feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, mainly humans. They induce skin rashes, itching, and allergic symptoms due to their bites. Concern arises from the extreme resilience of bedbugs - they can survive up to 100 days without a host and are exceptionally hard to eradicate due to a high reproduction rate.
The Korea Times reports that the surge of bedbugs is meddling with Korean daily life. Some citizens, out of fear, are opting out of going to the cinema or utilizing public transport to its fullest. Back in the sixties, bedbugs were nearly wiped out in Korea through countrywide disinfection campaigns. The uptick in bug reports recently has prompted authorities, health services, and local governments to be on the alert.
The Korean Disease Control Agency (KDCA) has publicized their consideration to introduce a new insecticidal agent. They have observed that bedbugs have developed a tolerance to current chemicals. "Other countries are already using new insecticides. We are in discussions with the Ministry of Environment regarding this," stated a worker from the agency, as quoted by The Korea Times.
The metropolitan authorities of Seoul have commenced inspections of more than 3,000 public bathhouses, saunas, hotels, and other facilities. An increased deployment of bedbug countermeasures has been instigated on airport transfers and tour buses, arising from concerns these bugs may have been brought by tourists. "We will be taking stronger preventive measures as bedbugs are causing serious economic and psychological damages," expressed an official. Gyeonggi, the most populous province in South Korea, aims to inspect over 5,000 lodging facilities and saunas by the end of this month.
