Current situation and problem of bedbug infestation in Tokyo, Japan: from public health officer's angle

Abstract

We introduce, from public health officer's angle, the current situation of bedbug occurrence and discuss the factors which complicate bedbug problem in recent Japan. Countrywide, bedbug infestation is found at relatively cheap hotels where foreign travelers tend to use. In urban area of Japan, however, bedbugs are appearing frequently at cheap accommodation facilities where only Japanese people stay. Most residents in such facilities are live on welfare benefits and are unemployed. They frequently move among different facilities with bedbugs on their baggage and/or clothes, and bedbugs easily spread their distribution. Also, bedbugs can be distributed by dropping at libraries, transport facilities, movie theaters, fast food stores, medical institutions, etc. We also experienced difficulties of bedbug control with pyrethroid insecticides. It is necessary to survey the level Qf insecticide resistance for bedbug colonies in Japan. As in other developed countries, hereafter, bedbug problem will be magnified countrywide. It is essential to address this problem in collaboration across medical institutions, health authorities (public health offices) and welfare agencies. Provision of such information to general public is also necessary.