Hong Kong distributes bedbug warning leaflets to passengers at airport

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong authorities are distributing bedbug warning leaflets to passengers at the airport amid rising reports of bedbug infestations in South Korea, France, and the UK. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and warning foreign passengers arriving in Hong Kong and locals returning to the city about bedbug prevention and control. A Hong Kong government spokesperson said in a statement: “Although information shows that bedbugs will not spread diseases, bedbug bites may cause skin allergy and itchiness and make people feel unwell. We will therefore step up publicity and education work, maintain close communication with relevant sectors and provide different parties with information in order to prevent and control the spread of bedbugs together.” The bedbug infestations in France and the UK – and now several cases of infestations in the US as well – have alarmed authorities in many countries.