What Happens In Vegas Is NOT Staying in Vegas! Infections On The Rise in Utah

Eeeeeeew. We have plenty of people moving in from the west coast but we definitely do not want these moving in!!!

Recent reports have emerged concerning bed bug incidents at seven prominent hotels along the Las Vegas Strip. According to records from the Southern Nevada Health District, these incidents were first documented in 2022. The hotels in question include Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Circus Circus, Palazzo, Tropicana, MGM Grand, and Sahara, each with their own bed bug-related issues. Ahhhhhh no! Don't tell me this!

Specifically, the records indicate complaints at two Caesars Entertainment properties. In January, a guest staying at Caesars Palace reported being bitten by bed bugs. Additionally, bed bugs were discovered at Planet Hollywood in June of the same year.

At Circus Circus, an executive was informed of a guest who had suffered bed bug bites in their room in January 2022. Subsequent inspections confirmed the presence of bed bugs, leading to the closure of adjacent rooms for a two-week period for thorough cleaning and treatment.

This statement is from USA Today in the middle of Aug 2023:

"Providing guests with a safe and enjoyable experience is our top priority, and we have robust preventative measures and response protocols to address and resolve any issues that may arise," an MGM representative told USA TODAY. "In extremely rare cases involving bed bugs, we deploy comprehensive isolation, cleaning and extermination procedures that eliminate the problem and ensure other rooms and guests remain unaffected.”

In October 2022, a Sahara hotel guest said they squished a bed bug. The room later tested positive and was cleaned, according to records. The Tropicana Las Vegas had a report of bed bugs this past February.

Squishes most of your desire to travel huh? So what can you do to make sure you do not bring home this nasty infestation?

To reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home from a hotel, follow these precautions:

1. Research the Hotel: Check online reviews and forums for any recent reports of bed bug infestations at the hotel you plan to stay in. Look for patterns or recurring complaints.
2. Inspect the Room: Upon entering your hotel room, leave your luggage by the door, and start your inspection:
   • Check the Bed: Lift the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, box spring, and headboard for any signs of bed bugs. Look for reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, and dark fecal spots.
   • Inspect Furniture: Check upholstered chairs, couches, and any nearby furniture.
   • Examine the Luggage Rack: Bed bugs can hide in luggage racks, so inspect them thoroughly.
   • Inspect the Closet: Look inside the closet and examine any luggage storage areas.
3. Store Luggage Safely: Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or floor. Use a luggage rack, a hard surface, or even the bathroom to store your bags.
4. Keep Personal Items Sealed: Store your clothes and personal items in sealed plastic bags or containers when not in use.
5. Wash Clothes Immediately: After your stay, wash all your clothes in hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) to kill any potential bed bugs. Drying them on high heat for at least 30 minutes can also help.
6. Inspect Your Luggage After Returning Home: Even if you take precautions, it's a good idea to inspect your luggage and personal items when you return home. Look for any signs of bed bugs and vacuum out your suitcase.
7. Consider Using Bed Bug Monitors: Bed bug monitors, such as traps or interceptors, can be placed under the legs of your bed to detect any bed bugs that may try to climb up.
8. Report Any Issues: If you discover bed bugs during your stay, notify the hotel management immediately and request a different room or consider changing hotels.
9. Be Cautious with Secondhand Furniture: If you buy used furniture, inspect it carefully for signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.

Remember that bed bug infestations are relatively rare, and taking these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of encountering them in a hotel. If you suspect you've been exposed to bed bugs during your travels, it's essential to address the issue promptly to prevent an infestation in your home.