Allegheny County temporarily moving 911 operations due to bed bugs

PITTSBURGH — Employees of the Allegheny County Emergency Services 911 Emergency Call Center were informed Friday of bedbugs found in the building, officials said.

The property manager is working with the Allegheny County Health Department to control the problem and prevent the bugs from spreading.

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“Recently, Pennsylvania and other states have seen an increased number of bed bug infestations plaguing residents. As bed bugs infest more and more homes, they are also being carried into schools and the workplace,” said Chief Alvin Henderson, director of Allegheny County Emergency Services. “This is what has happened within our 911 Emergency Call Center.”

Officials said building management has contacted a commercial pest contractor to conduct an inspection. Employees have been given information regarding self-help and preventive measures.

“There are recommendations they’re now supposed to follow. That includes bringing a change of clothes,” said Dave Namey, chief of the housing division for the Allegheny County Health Department.

County workers at the building have also been told to reduce clutter and store items that can’t be washed in sealable bags.

Sources told Channel 11 News that starting next Tuesday through Friday, all workers will be relocated to alternate work locations in order for the infected 911 center to be treated and extensively cleaned.

Though they do not carry disease, bed bugs have been labeled a significant public health concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they can cause significant itchiness, anxiety and sleeplessness,” said Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the Allegheny County Health Department. “Usually bed bugs will hide during the day and only come out to feed, generally during the night. They do not live on a person, but can 'hitchhike' from one place to another in backpacks, clothing, luggage, books and other items.”

Officials said they are still working with the building’s property manager to develop a plan on how to get rid of bed bugs in the building.

“It does take some time. They can be a little pesky to get rid of, but if you stay on top of it, get to it early, the problem can be solved,” said Namey.

Tom Troyan, the shop steward for the Allegheny County 911 Union, released a statement to Channel 11 News about the bed bugs in the building:

"Hopefully building management addresses these issues with their staff and corrects this problem in a timely fashion.  911 personnel have a stressful enough job. They should not have to worry about infecting their families and households with bedbugs."

WPXI