The Ministry of Health has called on the public to take a number of preventive measures against the risk of spreading bedbugs, which have caused panic following their recent appearance and spread in a number of countries.
Many Tunisians are wondering where these pests come from and how to detect and prevent them. After all, Tunisia experienced a bedbug epidemic in the 1970s, but now, in 2023, bedbugs could be a reality once again.
And with a recent increase in bedbug outbreaks in France, international travel and the development of insecticide resistance are being blamed. Tunisians are constantly worried about the possibility of a repeat invasion, especially as Morocco discovered bedbugs on a boat from France on Monday and immediately activated its health monitoring system.
Know your enemy…
The common bed bug has been parasitizing our species for thousands of years. In many parts of the world, bed bugs are now a major urban pest.
They are nocturnal insects, active mainly at night and avoid light. They are attracted to the vibrations, heat, odors and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by people. And often, at the beginning of an infestation, bed bugs only bite one person in the home.
However, the presence of bed bugs is not associated with a lack of cleanliness. Anyone can have an infestation in their home. And the larger the infestation, the more bed bugs move to other rooms in the house and to other houses. They can get in anywhere, even the cleanest homes and hotels.
“Sleep well, don’t let the bedbugs bite you”
In a press release issued on the evening of Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the Ministry of Health confirmed that bedbugs are not currently present in Tunisia and called on citizens to contact the relevant central or regional health services to take the necessary measures should this pest appear in their homes.
She also urged them to wash all bedding with hot water over 55 degrees Celsius, to keep the house tidy, especially in places where bed bugs can hide, and to destroy wooden furniture that is no longer useful.
It is worth noting that a review of the epidemiological situation of West Nile fever, preventive measures and surveillance of the “bed bug” insect were the main topics of a working session held on Wednesday by the West Nile Fever Early Warning System Steering Committee. That committee brings together various ministries and structures involved in the study of the virus, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Health, Ali Mrabet.
“Tunisia has not recorded any cases of West Nile fever”
During the working session, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health, it was assured that Tunisia has not recorded any cases of West Nile fever and that the various ministries and structures are ready to coordinate and review their proactive plans to monitor and prevent the emergence of this epidemic and limit its impact.
The meeting also discussed preventive measures and the monitoring of bed bugs. The Minister underlined the importance of coordination between all stakeholders for the success of procedures to investigate, monitor and treat viruses in general and the emergence of vector-borne diseases in certain countries in particular.
He also emphasized the role of citizens in preventing viruses, in particular by adopting healthy behaviors and lifestyles and preserving the environment, and praised the role of the members of the Steering Committee and all the ministries involved in supporting efforts to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
In a statement to TAP, Samir Ouerghemmi, director of environmental hygiene and protection at the Ministry of Health, said that Tunisia had stepped up controls at all border crossings and assured the agency that the insect had not yet entered Tunisia.
