Gianaris Seeks Broader Notice To Parents Of Bedbug Infestation

With the number of reported bedbug incidents skyrocketing and extermination

a difficult process, mandatory notice of these cases should be given to all parents at affected schools not just the family of an affected child, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris proposed.

The lawmaker in a letter to Roger Platt, director of the Office of School Health at the city Department of Education, said he strongly urged Platt “to consider these recommendations before the financially and emotionally devastating effects of bedbugs impact New Yorkers on a much larger scale”.

Gianaris (D–Astoria) said if his proposed change is made, the notice should include important information including prevention techniques, treatment options and important contact information for relevant agencies, including the Department of Education (DOE), the Office of School Health, and the city’s Department of Health.”

Gianaris made the request based on an article in the New York Post newspaper on December 4. The article reported that, according to the DOE, there were 34 reported cases of bedbugs in 24 different New York City schools since October 1.

As disconcerting as this was, Gianaris was even more alarmed because of the 24 affected schools, 16 were in Queens, and two were in the Long Island City portion of his district.

“Indeed, Queens schools suffered through more cases of bedbugs than Manhattan, Staten Island and The Bronx combined,” Gianaris said.

In his letter to Platt, Gianaris said that according to Platt’s office, notice of discovered bedbugs is given only to the family of the affected student and the decision to notify the entire school community is made on a case-by-case basis.

“Parents and students alike, as well as teachers and school personnel, remain concerned about the threat posed by bedbug infestation and would undoubtedly preform more aggressive notification policy,” Gianaris said. “Accordingly, I request that a policy of mandatory notice to all parents at affected schools be implemented.”

—John Toscano