Attention Drawn to the Threat of Bed Bugs at CIU

In a seminar delivered by Prof. Dr. Hikmet Ayşegül Taylan-Özkan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Cyprus International University (CIU), attention was drawn to the recent resurgence of bed bug cases. The seminar addressed the biological characteristics of bed bugs, their areas of spread, and their effects on human health.
Prof. Dr. Taylan-Özkan stated that bed bugs are parasites that are primarily active at night and feed by sucking human blood. She explained that these organisms can reproduce rapidly and spread easily across different environments, emphasizing that hotels, hospitals, public transportation, and second-hand items pose significant risks for their transmission.

“Bed bugs cannot survive without feeding on blood. Due to the anesthetic substances, they secrete while feeding, their bites often go unnoticed,” said Taylan-Özkan. She also noted that these parasites have developed resistance to insecticides, which makes controlling them more difficult.

Taylan-Özkan highlighted that bed bug bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and various skin problems. “Although their capacity to transmit diseases has not been clearly proven, the potential risk should not be overlooked,” she stated, adding that some individuals may not show any symptoms at all.

Emphasizing the importance of early detection in combating bed bugs, Taylan-Özkan pointed out that high-heat treatments, professional pest control, and regular inspections are among the most effective methods. She also stressed the need to check luggage after travel and carefully inspect second-hand items.
At the end of the seminar, it was noted that bed bugs have become a global issue today, and increasing individual awareness is of great importance.