How2Day: Diseases Obtained From Bed Bugs

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Bed bugs have been feasting on humans for thousands of years. Their existence has been documented throughout history as far back as Aristotle, who wrote about them in his book, "The History of Animals."

Bed bugs were eradicated from the US in the mid-twentieth century. In recent years, however, the U.S. has experienced a rapidly growing resurgence of bed bug infestations. Because of their long absence, victims of infestations are ill-prepared and struggling to combat these ectoparasites (external parasites).

There is no evidence that bed bugs can transmit diseases to their hosts. However, there is evidence of bed bugs carrying a variety of organisms, diseases and parasites, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms, none of which survive long enough inside the bed bug to reproduce or multiply.

Bed bugs feed by piercing the skin with elongated beaks through which they withdraw blood. Through this process they can inject substances which can result in skin reactions. Bed bug bites are not felt during the feeding process, which takes approximately 10 minutes, but those sensitized to the injected substances can experience allergic reactions generally identified by swelling and fierce itching.

There is the possibility of skin infection--including impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphanigitis--if the scratching of bites is not controlled. It may be necessary to apply anti-itch treatments to the area. If itching is severe, potent antihistamines or corticosteroids can be prescribed by a doctor.

Psychological effects of those suffering from bed bug infestations can be far more detrimental than physical ramifications. Because of the historical negative associations with bed bugs, those suffering from infestations can suffer severe embarrassment and anxiety, eventually leading to detrimental psychological symptoms, including depression. Insomnia is often a result of anxiety caused from bed bug infestations. Bed bugs feed primarily at night. While the host doesn't feel the bed bug feeding, the awareness of an infestation prevents victims of infestations from sleeping. Insomnia can result in a lack of productivity, as well as eventual debilitating depression and anxiety.

An infestation of bed bugs has nothing to do with cleanliness, and bed bugs show no discretion in terms of the socioeconomic backgrounds of their hosts. Bed bugs have been found in the cleanest and dirtiest of homes of people of all financial standings. Their only preference is a warm host on whose blood they can feed.

They are also difficult to identify. Bed bug bites can easily be mistaken for flea, mosquito or tick bites, causing delayed responses to infestations. Pesticides that are effective on fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and other pests have not been found to be effective in killing bed bugs, so infestations can quickly grow to inordinate magnitudes, despite insecticidal treatments.

Bed bugs were prevalent in the US before the mid-twentieth century, but they were believed to have been eradicated after World War II from the use of DDT, which was eventually banned due to its high toxicity. However, they continued to be a problem in other areas of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

A common theory is that bed bugs--which are adept hiders--seek refuge in clothing. As a result, international travelers can inadvertently pick them up in hotels, carry them and deposit them just about anywhere. Because bed bugs rapidly multiply, expertly hide, and can move very quickly in between rooms and through tiny wall holes and crevices, it is alarmingly difficult to deter their rapid proliferation.

How2Day