NUMEROUS complaints have been raised by local Honiara residents on the increase of bed bugs in the capital recently.
The bed bugs are parasitic insects of the cimicid family that feed exclusively on blood.
Recent claims have also been raised to this paper that the Central Hospital, in the Outpatient area and in front of the Pharmacy area are been occupied by the bed bugs.
A Honiara residents said that he witnessed it by himself the presence of the insect and was just wondering whether the Hospital authorities are taking measures to thoroughly clean the hospital every time.
When contacted for confirmation on Tuesday, an officer from the National Referral Hospital (NRH) told this paper that the issue has now been raised for the responsible authority within the premises to deal with.
However, people that are visiting the mentioned areas are being urged to take extra precautions otherwise the insect will be spreading into their homes.
Similar reports have also been received by residents in the outskirts of the Honiara town, especially in East Honiara.
This paper understands that the threat that the bed bugs are posing to the local populace is a great risk and human concern.
The Director of Health department within the Honiara City Council, Harvest Miabule could not be reached for comments, because he was on sick leave; however this paper also sought comments from the responsible authorities.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
