Columns

The California Department of Public Health says bedbugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds; they live in mattresses, bed linens and headboards, walls, flooring and other furniture. But they are not considered a public health hazard because they do not spread disease. They are considered a nuisance, however, and should be removed by licensed pest control operators. They feed at night. It is claimed that most people do not feel their bites. They might, however notice itchy welts that appear immediately or a few days later. And they might lose their housing…

The public health community’s laissez-faire attitude is attributable to the experts who say bedbugs are not disease-carrying pests. But the tiny vampires, which feed on human blood, surely cause health-related problems if left unabated — chief among them mental, physical and economic anxiety. 

There is a common misconception that bed bug infestations occur only in poorly constructed and poorly maintained buildings with unsanitary conditions. Not so. Modern construction has aided the spread of infestations by enabling bed bugs to move from room to room via central heating and air conditioning ducts, which in rental facilities may not be regularly and thoroughly cleaned.  

Bedbugs have recently been reported by several area public libraries, and libraries across the country are scrambling to deal with the problem of bedbugs hiding out in their books and then being spread to patrons’ homes, especially when they read in bed. Bedbugs and their eggs can hide in the spines of hardcover books. One Long Island exterminator told the New York Times that he has had hundreds of clients buy a portable heater called PackTite to kill bedbugs, baking any used or borrowed book as a preventive measure before taking it to bed. Libraries are also ordering the devices, as well as a bedbug heat-treatment box called a ThermalStrike.  

The Berkeley Public Library’s North Branch reported that bedbug-sniffing dogs identified the possible presence of bedbugs in the downstairs men’s restroom, underneath the desks of the public computer area, and in a chair in the reading room. No books or library materials appeared infected, according to a BPL press release. The American Library Association considers bedbugs a media problem.  

The Ohio Long Term Care Ombudsman says more than 50 people were forced to move out of their homes due to related health code violations. Residents of an assisted living facility received notice that the owner was closing its doors. The State of New York now has a law requiring landlords to tell prospective tenants about bedbug infestations. 

Stockton, California seniors have complained of bedbug infestation. A California Bedbug Registry is at http://bedbugregistry.com/location/CA/ 

Bedbugs are equal opportunity perpetrators. They go everywhere and attack anyone – college dormitories and apartments, classy and low down hotels, assisted living facilities, senior housing… They want blood. Why now, especially? For one thing, the drought has curtailed their water supply. But their population has jumped by 500% in the United States in just the last few years.  

Reporters and even researchers declare bedbugs are not dangerous and not a particular problem for senior citizens. Nay nay, say I! Contrary to popular perception, bedbugs do pose a public health issue for senior citizens, especially those renting in low-income housing. 

Recommended current reading 

“Flu shots for adults under 65 may boost protection for seniors,” by Joan Stephenson (Reuters, Sept.17, 2015). 

“Five wildfire deaths highlight vulnerability of isolated seniors in disasters,” by Lee Romney (Los Angeles Times, Sept. 19, 2015). 

“Berkeley community members, government officials talk affordable housing for elderly,” by Alok Narahari (Daily Cal, Sept. 23, 2015) . 

“End of Life Option Act opens important conversations about dying,” by Bill Monning (San Jose 

Mercury News, Sept. 25, 2015). This is an Opinion piece. 

"California wildfires left the disabled in peril," by Lee Romney (Los Angeles Times, Sept. 28, 2015).  

"Longtime teachers' pensions are well earned," by Michael Hiltzik (Los Angeles Times, Sept. 26, 2015). 

"Elderly drivers: Should they undergo road tests to keep licenses?" by Matthias Gafni (Daily Democrat_ [Woodland], Oct. 4, 2015). 

"Gov(ernor). (Jerry) Brown signs controversial assisted-suicide bill," by Patrick McGreevy (Los Angeles Times, Oct. 5, 2015).  

"(Governor) Jerry Brown signs end-of-life bill," by Nanette Asimov (San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 5, 2015). 

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Correction: The August 19, 2015 Senior Power column stated “Eleven states have adopted constitutions or constitutional amendments providing that equal rights under the law shall not be denied because of sex.” It should read twenty-three states. Only a federal Equal Rights Amendment can provide U.S. citizens with the highest and broadest level of legal protection against sex discrimination. However, the constitutions of 23 states – Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming – provide either inclusive or partial guarantees of equal rights on the basis of sex. For more in depth information about State ERAs go to: http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/faq.htm#q7 

 

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