Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
CHITUNGWIZA Municipality says it has not received any cases of bed bugs, but remains on high alert and ready to respond swiftly to any incidents that may arise.
Chitungwiza senior environmental health officer, Mr Tongai Mukomondera, who was speaking at a Ward 12 feedback meeting last week, encouraged residents to report any suspected infestations promptly.
“The issue of bed bugs that is being talked about in Harare could affect us anytime because we visit places like Mbare and we buy and wear second-hand clothes,” he said.
“So we must be aware of what to do if there is an outbreak of bed bugs or how to prevent them.
“If one buys second-hand clothes or even in a shop, as a precautionary measure, one should wash them first in hot water and let them dry in the sun.”
He said bed bugs were a sign that people were not practising good hygiene.
“It’s like cholera. If you experience cholera cases, it’s a sign that people are eating dirt,” said Mr Mukomondera.
He urged residents to first wash new clothes and landlords to fumigate their properties.
“Try to be hygienic. Inform us if you happen to notice bed bugs,” said Mr Mukomondera.
He said signs of bed bugs were what appeared as rust-like on walls but were different from cockroaches.
“One might notice itchiness or swollen skin when they have been bitten by the bed bugs after two weeks. Some might have a swelling reaction. So we urge those experiencing swelling to visit a health centre.
“If you cannot visit a health centre you can apply hydrocortisone, which is available at pharmacies or use a damp cloth using cold water to dab the affected area to reduce pain.
“But we hope in Chitungwiza, if bed bug cases are reported, we should be able to manage them.”
