Bed bug outbreak reported in Bismarck

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Officials at Edgewood Vista Villages say they are taking measures to deal with a bed bug outbreak.

In an Aug. 15 letter addressed to residents, executive director April Bishop wrote, We have had a confirmed case of bed bugs in the north part of our building.

It was unclear from the letter which building Bishop was referring to.

Edgewood Vista Villages operates two facilities in Bismarck on Dominion Street and Colorado Lane and one in Mandan on 39th Avenue Southeast.

Three phone messages left by the Tribune for Bishop were not returned.

The letter stated a specialized cleaning company certified to deal with bed bugs was being brought in and ongoing inspections and monitoring are being conducted.

In addition, Bishop wrote a company that uses a trained dog to detect bed bugs was being brought in to complement heat and spray treatments.

Michelle Feist, an epidemiologist with the North Dakota Department of Health, said bed bug infestations are not required to be reported to the health department.

Feist said bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases.

It can happen anywhere, she said. Even in a five-star hotel.

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Bed bug outbreak reported in Bismarck