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Discussion

Bedbugs

Okay, I know it's a healthcare workers worse fear, but I work in the ER as a tech and SOMEHOW in my carelessness, brought home bedbugs. An entire one of our sister ERs got closed down for treatment last year. Around that time is when we started noticing being itchy at home and started investigating. We've had them for a year now and basically "maintain" them so they they don't infest anything. We regularly wash and dry all linens, spray and steam everything and use pesticides for bedbugs. We have done all precautions including not entering the home with any work scrubs/gear. My issue is, firstly, it's humiliating to think that I could possibly be spreading them to other people that I work with or patients. I'm also wondering if I called anonymously to team resources that there would be some way that they could help with pest services since this was an infestation that I acquired via work. I'm not sure what to do anymore and it's pretty frustrating. I live my job and my patients. I guess I'm just in terms that it's my fault for carrying one home and not being precautions enough. Any opinions?

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    Why haven't you called an exterminator? I'd be looking to get RID of them, not just "maintain" them (if that's even possible!!). Call an exterminator to help you.

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    I wouldn't bet the bank that you necessarily brought them home from work. They could have hitchhiked into your house via a suitcase, from a visitor, your child sleeping over at a friend's house, the list goes on and on. In fact, those routes are far more likely than the relatively inhospitable environment of the ER.

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    Hasn't your Infection Control Nurse made any suggestions?

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    Pest services are not anywhere affordable for bedbugs. They're nearly impossible to eradicate. It's a lot easier said than done. You have to pay for several heat treatments over time.

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    I also rent. My landlord will have a cow and try to evict me whether it's legal or not. Once again, humiliating and awkward situation.

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    I also rent. My landlord will have a cow and try to evict me whether it's legal or not. Once again, humiliating and awkward situation.

    If you are in a rental that is attached with other rentals you may have gotten the pests from your neighbors.

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    Well I would remove the picture of yourself if you are looking to stay anonymous. As for the bugs there is no way to prove you brought them home from work, especially since it was so long ago the infestation started. To be honest I don't have any suggestions. You are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Treatment is too expensive, but living with them is miserable. Maybe contact your health dept. Often they have programs to help the lower income pay for things like this. Good luck regardless.

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    What state do you live in?

    Most states have laws that say the landlord is responsible for providing a habitable living conditions-some states even specify that a landlord is responsible for bed bug infestation.

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