A veritable plague of bedbugs has stuck at hotels and short-term tourist rental properties in Lisbon and Oporto, lurking in beds and mattress, enjoying warm and dark environments - and tourists are getting the blame.
The Deputy Director-General for Health, Drª Maria Graça Freitas, is aware of cases in Lisbon, mostly in tourist rental accommodation, and has stated that the bugs pose no danger to public health.
Drª Freitas today assured that bedbugs "pose no danger to public health," but recommended to those who are faced with their presence to follow the cleaning guidelines offered by bug companies.
Graça Freitas helpfully informed reporters that there have always been bedbugs, it’s just sometimes there are more of them around.
The cases that the health department is aware of, "already have been resolved with bug-clearing companies followed up by attention to hygiene," assures the Doctor.
“Our advice is that in housing situations where this problem exists, contact a professional company for a serious disinfestation and then follow the advice of the company with regard to hygiene, cleaning and aeration," said Drª Freitas, adding that there is no risk to public health as the bug does not carry disease.
"It's not pleasant, it's not a good indicator of hygiene," she said, adding that this is not a new situation as more and more tourists are coming and going, especially in the tourist hot-spots of Lisbon and Oporto.
Graça Freitas said that if more cases come to light, health experts will carry out a risk assessment to see what action needs to be taken.
Drª Maria da Graça Gregório de Freitas
