Clairton schools cancel classes amid bedbug issue

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https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/clairton-dismissing-early-thursday-closed-friday-due-to-bedbugs/

Clairton schools cancel classes amid bedbug issue

Brian C. Rittmeyer | Thursday, September 19, 2019 5:15 a.m.

Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed; they swell and are a reddish color after feeding.

Clairton City School District is dismissing students early Thursday and will be closed Friday because of bedbugs, the district announced.

According to a letter dated Wednesday from Superintendent Ginny Hunt, a bedbug incident occurred in the district’s building, which houses its elementary and middle/high school.

Bedbugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed; they swell and are a reddish color after feeding. They do not fly but can move quickly.

The district has contacted an exterminator to treat multiple classrooms in addition to common areas.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and consult with public health and pest control professionals to eliminate any remaining bedbugs in the building and to minimize the potential for future bedbug activity in the school, as necessary,” Hunt said in the letter.

For the preparation and administration of a secondary treatment, the district will release students at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The district will be closed on Friday.

After-school activities on Thursday and Friday are cancelled; however, a home football game at 7 p.m. Friday at Neil C. Brown Stadium will still take place.

Classes will resume on Monday.

Details

How to control bed bugs
Anyone who comes in direct contact with bed bugs or their eggs can unknowingly carry them into their home or workplace. They are easily spread by moving beds, furniture, luggage or clothing.
Tips to eliminate bed bugs:
• Wash all clothing in hot water (145 degrees) and follow in a hot dryer.
• Use a 50/50 solution of water/alcohol to spray mattresses, pillows, carseats, and carpets.
• Notify the health office at 412-233-9200, ext. 1124 if any bites are visible.
• Treat bites with soap and water and then apply Calamine lotion.
Source: Clairton City School District

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