VietNamNet Bridge – Blood-sucking bugs have reappeared in Ha Noi, with sightings of the irritating insects reported in 21 out of the capital's 29 districts.

As many as 1,300 bugs were found in Tu Liem District, while 800 were discovered in Long Bien and around 200 recorded in Hai Ba Trung.

The bugs first began to re-appear in the city in April this year at the beginning of their breeding season, which will last until August.

The head of the Entomology Department at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Truong Xuan Lam, reported that around 250 people in the city had been bitten by the bugs during 2011-12.

He tried to reassure Hanoians, however, by saying the bugs appeared to be fairly harmless: "There has so far been no evidence, information or research that confirms the bugs' ability to transmit diseases to human. However, more research into the insects will be carried out."

People have been advised to clean their beds, wardrobes and houses to avoid being bitten by the bugs.

"If someone is bitten, they should wash the spot with soap, avoid scratching the wound and head to the nearest health clinic," Lam advised.

The blood-sucking bugs have a sharp, curved proboscis like mosquitoes. Their bodies are flat and they move slowly, mostly crawling.

The bugs first appeared in Viet Nam during the late 70s, but were not reported in large numbers until 2010, particularly in big cities like Ha Noi, HCM City and central Da Nang City.

They are believed to have originated from Latin America.

Source: VNS