VietNamNet Bridge – The Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources recently uncovered blood-sucking bugs in at least seven Hanoian districts including Ha Dong, Thanh Xuan and Gia Lam thanks to local resident reports.

According to the head of the institute's Entomology Department, Truong Xuan Lam, around 30-50 bugs, similar to ones found in the city and northern provinces last year, had been found at each location.

Lam confirmed that the latest batch of bugs appeared to be much more aggressive than those previously found.

People who have been bitten by the bugs have gone to see doctors complaining that they felt itchy and in pain due to their swollen bite marks, Lam said.

Nguyen Van Lenh, an inn resident near the Ha Noi Obstetric Hospital on De La Thanh Street, situated in Dong Da District, was bitten for the second time early on Thursday morning.

Upon inspection, institute staff had confirmed that these type of cheap inns were often overcrowded and unhygienic, favourable conditions for bugs in which to shelter and multiply.

International research has shown that the bugs are capable of transmitting a parasite called Trypanosoma, causing Trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease, a potentially fatal disease present in a variety of countries.

Up to date, there has been no indication that the bugs found in Ha Noi carry these parasites, according to Dr Nguyen Van Chau from the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology.

During last year, bugs were found at around 150 households in Ha Noi, Lam said, adding that, at the time, authorities had managed to deal with the outbreak efficiently.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News