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Bed bugs on ship: a French review.
Annabelle Gressier1, Thierry Sauvage2,3, Fréderic Saunier3,4
1Occupational and Environmental Diseases Centre, Teaching Hospital, Brest, France. gressier.annabelle@gmail.com.
International Maritime Health
|July 5, 2022
Summary
Bed bug infestations are a growing concern in the maritime industry, impacting seafarers and passengers. Early detection and prevention are crucial to manage this public health issue at sea.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maritime Medicine
- Entomology
Background:
- Bed bug infestations have resurged globally since the 2000s due to increased travel and insecticide resistance.
- Ships, traditionally affected by bed bugs, now face widespread concern within the maritime sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and impact of bed bug infestations in the occupational maritime environment.
- To understand the extent of the problem from the perspective of seafarers' health professionals.
Main Methods:
- A concise questionnaire survey was administered to 22 French seafarers' health service doctors.
- The survey aimed to gauge their experiences and perceptions regarding bed bug infestations on vessels.
Main Results:
- 27% of doctors reported patients experiencing bed bug infestations onboard, with all cases impacting onboard life.
- 18% of doctors had been consulted by shipowners regarding bed bug issues.
- 27% of respondents viewed bed bug infestations as an escalating problem in the maritime setting.
Conclusions:
- Maritime bed bug infestations significantly affect seafarer well-being and incur economic losses.
- Implementing preventive strategies is vital to curb the spread of bed bugs on ships.
- Educating and informing seafarers on best practices is essential for effective management.
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