Bedbugs Force Closure of Bucharest Hospital Department

A Bucharest hospital has temporarily shut down a department after discovering bedbugs, leading to the evacuation of patients and a thorough disinfection process.

“

In the interval 17.08 - 14.09, the Clinical Department of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation of the Bagdasar-Arseni Emergency Clinical Hospital will be closed for DDD operations specific to the removal of Cimex lectularius (bedbug). The measure is necessary as several specimens were detected in multiple locations in the Department, both for the safety of patients and staff, and to prevent infestation of other hospital departments. Activity will continue in the outpatient clinic and, where necessary and possible, through day hospitalization.

The Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Department at Bagdasar-Arseni Hospital will be closed from August 17 to September 14. This measure was taken after bedbugs were found in several areas of the ward. The 31 patients who were hospitalized have been moved to other facilities or arrangements made for their care, depending on their medical needs.

Hospital management stated that the bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) were detected in multiple locations within the department. The closure aims to ensure the safety of patients and staff and prevent the insects from spreading to other parts of the hospital. Outpatient services and day hospitalization will continue where possible.

“

We don't know the exact source, but in the Capital, the number of bedbugs is increasing. Relatives bring them.

While the exact source of the infestation remains unclear, hospital spokesperson Florin Bica suggested that the insects could have been brought in by patients or their relatives. He noted an increasing number of bedbug cases in Bucharest, attributing their spread to factors like travel and the introduction of personal belongings into the hospital. A veterinarian, Anca Tomșa, explained that bedbugs are easily transported and can be contracted from various public places, emphasizing that their presence does not necessarily indicate poor hygiene.

“

Man, unfortunately, brings them in many ways and very easily. Practically, any of us can contract this parasite and bring it home or to another facility... You can pick it up from a hotel, from a plane, from a park bench or a bus. You can sit on a bench where someone contaminated sat, the parasite came off the person's clothes or bag and you pick it up without realizing it.