Bed Bugs and Beyond
Bed Bugs and Beyond
Bed bugs, once considered well controlled and even eradicated in many parts of the developed world, have made a comeback and are an increasing public health concern. Coordinated actions on the part of public health entities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, have focused on the use of integrated pest management strategies to combat the recent resurgence. Advanced practice registered nurses, especially as clinicians, educators, and policy makers, need to be aware of this public health issue and their integral role in management and containment efforts.
The re-emergence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) as a public health threat requires an urgent call to action by all primary care providers, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These pests were once a universal problem and plagued humans, but with increased awareness and use of pesticides, they were relatively controlled in the past century. Bed bugs, almost forgotten but not eradicated, have made a comeback globally, nationally, and locally. They are increasingly found in any facility with high occupant turnover, such as health care settings, transportation venues, movie theaters, and hotels.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Bed bugs, once considered well controlled and even eradicated in many parts of the developed world, have made a comeback and are an increasing public health concern. Coordinated actions on the part of public health entities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, have focused on the use of integrated pest management strategies to combat the recent resurgence. Advanced practice registered nurses, especially as clinicians, educators, and policy makers, need to be aware of this public health issue and their integral role in management and containment efforts.
Introduction
The re-emergence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) as a public health threat requires an urgent call to action by all primary care providers, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These pests were once a universal problem and plagued humans, but with increased awareness and use of pesticides, they were relatively controlled in the past century. Bed bugs, almost forgotten but not eradicated, have made a comeback globally, nationally, and locally. They are increasingly found in any facility with high occupant turnover, such as health care settings, transportation venues, movie theaters, and hotels.
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