Bedbugs

Please click the frequently asked questions below for further information and IPC precautions required:

• What are Bedbugs?

  Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. Their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause other health problems.

  

• How does it spread?

  Bedbugs can hide in many places, including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.

• What are the signs/symptoms?
  • Bites – often on skin exposed while sleeping, like the face, neck and arms
  • Spots of blood on your bedding – from the bites or from squashing a bedbug
  • Small brown spots on bedding or furniture (bedbug poo)

  Some people have a reaction to the bites. They can be very itchy and there may be painful swelling.

  A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is also possible but rare.

  

• Why is this important?

  If NIAS staff are aware that the patient has a suspected or confirmed case, this should be communicated to EAC / NEAC and the receiving unit when transferring the patient to ensure effective patient care and management.

• IPC Precautions
  • Contact Precautions should be used.
  • Hand Hygiene should be completed as per the 5 moments in line with usual practice.
  • Eye protection should be risk assessed for any concern regarding a splash risk.
  • Gloves and Aprons should be risk assessed and worn if contact with the patient’s blood or bodily fluids.
  • Laundry should be treated as contaminated, placed into an alginate bag and placed into a red laundry bag. Ensure the laundry does not come into contact with uniform.
• What cleaning is required?

  All equipment and the ambulance should have an in-between patient clean, paying particular attention to touch points.

• Do staff need prophylaxis or follow up?

  No follow up required.