BED BUGS

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BedBug_1

Don’t start itching, and then check underneath your bed! You see it seems that bedbugs, also known as Cimex Lectularius are showing up in many places.

The bloodsucking bugs were virtually eradicated in the United States in the 1950s. But they are now showing up practically everywhere, nursing homes, jails, apartment buildings, dormitories, even hospitals. There has been a 500% increase in the last few years!

Experts blame the resurgence on increased international travel, immigration, changes in pest-control practices, and the bugs’ growing resistance to insecticides.

Bedbugs can live for a year without a blood meal, but once they start biting their victims may be plagued with multiple bites each night.

The EPA has made some information available to the general population that should be of interest to healthcare professionals.

https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/bedbug/

https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/

Here is a link to the CDC as well:

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Publications/Bed_Bugs_CDC-EPA_Statement.htm

I hope this is of benefit to all of you with problems or concerns.  Please pass this information along to your staff, your Infection Preventionist, Facilities department, and anyone that can be of assistance in addressing the infestations.

 

Bed Bugs!

With over 27 years in Healthcare Environmental Services (ES), I lead with a belief that attitude drives outcomes. As a Regional Director at MultiCare Health System, I oversee multi-site ES operations with a focus on people-first leadership, infection control, and operational excellence. I champion a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) not as a slogan, but as a leadership principle. I believe positivity is contagious, and as a leader, I set the tone. Through consistent, uplifting communication, I create environments where ES teams feel empowered to be helpful, proactive, and proud of their impact. For me, development is a choice, and I invest in training, huddles, and coaching that energize teams, helping them thrive in their current roles and grow toward what’s next. My approach to high standards isn't theoretical, it's practical. Just like we notice when a hotel room is clean and fresh, patients and families immediately sense a space that’s been cared for. Through standardized protocols, team accountability, and a shared mission, I help create clean, safe, and healing environments that directly enhance patient experience and staff well-being. It's a privilege to lead teams that play such a vital role in the patient journey, and to help elevate the perception and performance of ES professionals across our system.

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