Bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestation in a surgery ward from northeastern Brazil

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5216/rpt.v53i1.74916

Abstract

Bed bugs are arthropods of public health significance that have experienced a global resurgence. In this context, we are reporting a bed bug infestation in a surgical ward in Brazil. Thirteen patients in the surgical ward were identified as having diffuse erythematous maculopapular lesions of unknown origin. Similar signs and symptoms were observed among healthcare professionals in the same unit. The issue was addressed with all relevant departments, and a multifaceted approach was adopted to manage the infestation. Bed bugs may potentially pose health risks to both patients and healthcare professionals. It is imperative to actively monitor the structural integrity of the hospital’s physical facilities to prevent arthropod infestations.

KEY WORDS: Bed bugs; Cimex lectularius; ectoparasitic infestations; hospitals.

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Author Biographies

Luís Arthur Brasil Gadelha Farias, Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídeo (HUWC), Infection Control Department, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

1. Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas (HSJ), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
2. University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Infectious Diseases, São Paulo, Brazil

Evelyne Santana Girão, Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídeo (HUWC), Infection Control Department, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

1. Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas (HSJ), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

Lauro Vieira Perdigão Neto , Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas (HSJ), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

1. University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Infectious Diseases, São Paulo, Brazil

Jorge Luiz Nobre Rodrigues , Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídeo (HUWC), Infection Control Department, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

1. Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Public Health Department, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

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Published

2024-03-21

How to Cite

BRASIL GADELHA FARIAS, L. A.; CAMPOS LIMA GONÇALVES , T. C.; SANTANA GIRÃO, E.; TEIXEIRA , M. J.; MOURA SANTOS, F. K.; DE OLIVEIRA SILVA, M. I. E.; CARVALHEDO FRAGOSO, L. V.; VIEIRA PERDIGÃO NETO , L.; NOBRE RODRIGUES , J. L. Bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestation in a surgery ward from northeastern Brazil . Revista de Patologia Tropical / Journal of Tropical Pathology, Goiânia, v. 53, n. 1, p. 49–55, 2024. DOI: 10.5216/rpt.v53i1.74916. Disponível em: https://revistas.ufg.br/iptsp/article/view/74916. Acesso em: 22 dec. 2024.

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 1 (2024)

Section

SHORT REPORT

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