VICTORIA Falls City Council has warned visitors and residents about a bed bugs outbreak in the resort town.
“Victoria Falls City Council is urging its valued residents, stakeholders and visitors to be on high alert of the presence of bedbugs in all areas of residence in the city,” it said in a notice.
“Signs and symptoms are that the bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea: a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating.
“The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety and skin problems that arise from continuous scratching of the bites.”
Bed bugs are haematophagous arthropods of the family cimicidae.
Of the 90 or so species within the family cimicidae, only a handful bite humans, with the two main species being the common bed bug, lectularius, and the tropical bed bug, hemipterus.
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The bed bugs can come from other infested areas or from used furniture.
They can hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces.
They can travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes and hotels.
The council advised visitors, residents and stakeholders to report any cases of bed bugs if they identify them in their residences.