Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube has dismissed as “false and malicious” social media claims alleging a bedbug outbreak in the city’s Nkulumane suburb, calling on residents to remain calm and rely only on official city communications.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dube said the City of Bulawayo had not received any official reports of bedbug infestations in Nkulumane or surrounding areas such as Sokusile, Emganwini, and Nketa, despite viral posts circulating on social media platforms.
“We want to make it clear that the message currently making rounds on social media claiming there is a bedbug infestation in Nkulumane is misleading and untrue,” Dube said. “The City of Bulawayo has not received any complaints or confirmed cases of bedbugs in the mentioned areas.”
Dube acknowledged, however, that the city remains on high alert following reports of bedbug incidents in other parts of the country. He urged residents to stay vigilant and familiarise themselves with how bedbugs spread and how infestations can be prevented.
“Bedbugs are usually introduced unknowingly, often by hitching a ride on clothing, luggage, or second-hand furniture,” Dube explained. “They hide in places where people gather or rest, including homes, hotels, schools, offices, and public transport.”
He outlined key signs of an infestation, including itchy red or clustered bite marks, reddish-brown insects about 1/4 inch long, translucent bedbug shells, dark excrement spots on bedding or furniture, and a distinctive sweet, musty smell in affected rooms.
Dube also advised residents on preventive measures, such as regularly inspecting mattresses, cleaning frequently, reducing household clutter, sealing crevices, and taking extra precautions when returning from travel or using shared laundry facilities.
“To avoid unnecessary confusion and panic, residents are further advised to ignore any information that does not come through official city communication channels or carry the City of Bulawayo logo and insignia,” Dube stressed.