Hong Kong public hospital battling bedbug infestation; 4 patients with suspected bites

A Hong Kong public hospital ward is battling a bedbug infestation after four patients suffered suspected bites from the insects, prompting authorities to step up pest control measures and launch an investigation.

A Kwai Chung Hospital spokesman said 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.

“Staff then inspected other areas and patients’ linen in the ward, where bedbugs were found in a sealed heating facility and on nine other beds,” the spokesman said.

Three other male patients also suffered suspected bedbug bites.