Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal. Bed bug bites usually do not pose a serious medical threat.
Is this a reportable illness?
This is not a reportable illness to CDPH but consult with your school nurse to confirm that these are bed bugs.
Check out this flier from NYC to see how bed bugs can look very much like other insects.
What does the school need to do next?
No exclusion required for case or close contacts.
If a bed bug is found on a child in school, it does not mean the child brought the bed bug into the school. Bed bugs do not infest people; they only feed on them. Bed bugs can crawl onto or off of a person (or their belongings) at any time. The following actions will be helpful in dealing with any bed bug sightings:
Educate everyone.
Remain calm.
One bed bug is NOT an infestation - inspect and monitor.
Infested classrooms require professional treatment and parental notification.
EPA recommends you use IPM (integrated pest management) to reduce pesticide exposure.
IPM is a smart, sensible and sustainable approach to pest management
