Don’t let bedbugs bite! How did pests land in Hong Kong hospital and how do you avoid infestations?

Hong Kong authorities have launched an investigation after bedbugs were found in a ward of a public hospital, with four patients treated for bites from the pests.

Reports about bedbugs in healthcare settings are rare in Hong Kong.

The Post has spoken to a pest control expert to find out why Kwai Chung Hospital may have been affected and what we can all do to avoid bedbug infestations.

1. What happened?

A Kwai Chung Hospital spokesman revealed on Tuesday night that a male patient in a post-admission care unit had complained of itchy skin the previous morning.

He said the patient was believed to have been bitten by bedbugs, which were later found in his bedding. Bedbugs were also found in a sealed heating facility and on nine other beds.