South Korea: In a united front to combat a recent surge in bedbug reports across the nation, several local governments, including Seoul, Incheon, and Busan, have launched comprehensive efforts to prevent and control bedbug infestations.

Historically, South Korea had nearly eradicated bedbugs through nationwide extermination campaigns in the 1960s. However, recent reports of infestations in various areas have raised concerns about their resurgence. Incidents have included multiple cases in a university dormitory in Daegu and a public sauna in Incheon.

As of Sunday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government disclosed that it has received 17 reported cases related to bedbugs, signifying a growing threat in the densely populated capital, home to 9.4 million people.

In response to the bedbug resurgence, the city government is launching a bedbug report center, which will accept notifications of sightings and bites through public health centers as part of its "zero-bedbug city project." Additionally, they will operate a dedicated Dasan public call service number and website. City officials and public health teams will be dispatched to affected areas to control infestations and implement preventive measures.

The city will conduct thorough hygiene inspections and swiftly address bedbug concerns in subways, hotels, public bathhouses, and movie theaters—locations with high human traffic that are potential hotspots for infestations.

Incheon, a city that recently reported bedbugs in a public bathhouse, is also taking proactive measures by initiating comprehensive hygiene inspections in 48 public saunas and over 700 hotels within the city. The city government has mandated that public saunas and accommodations sterilize their facilities at least once a month, with violations subject to administrative actions and fines.

Meanwhile, the Busan government has taken to its website to provide updates on bedbug reports within the city and disseminate prevention and response measures through public health centers.

Though bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause discomfort and itching. Anyone who experiences bedbug bites is encouraged to wash the affected areas with soap and water and consult with a medical professional or pharmacist.

The Korea Disease Control Agency (KDCA) is also actively contributing to the efforts by providing pest control training sessions to companies involved in logistics for imported goods and passengers from countries grappling with bedbug infestations, such as France and the United Kingdom. KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee has emphasized the importance of sterilizing travel accessories and checking accommodations for bedbugs when traveling abroad to minimize exposure to these pests.

The collaborative actions of these Korean cities demonstrate their commitment to addressing the resurgence of bedbugs and protecting public health.