By Matthew Russell Lee
www.innercitypress.com/uncmp8bedbugs091809.html
UNITED NATIONS, September 18 -- As diplomats from all over the world descend on the UN General Assembly Hall on First Avenue and 45th Street, in the UN's "swing space" building one block west another form of infestation has for a second time been concerned, as spreading -- bed bugs.
An internal UN directive issued after Inner City Press' first exclusive report on the infestation urges calm, saying that bed bugs' "medical significance is mainly limited to the itching and inflammation from their bites, and in some rare cases, allergic reaction."
Inner City Press exclusively reported the first find of bed bug on the ninth floor of the UN's Albano Building, where during the UN's Capital Master Plan the documents for UN meetings are prepared, on September 11 and 16. Now, the "infestation" has spread to other floors, according to the internal UN directive of September 17:
"Pest control contractors have confirmed an infestation of bed bugs on a number of floors in the Albano Building. On the advice of the specialized contractor and in line with industry best practice extermination measures for the entire Albano Building are being taken over the weekend of 19 and 20 September and follow up measures will be taken two weeks later."
This is the UN's busiest week of the year, worst possible time for a bed bug infestation at the UN. Yet the UN internal directive tries to downplay the dangers and problems posed by bed bugs:
"A common concern with bed bugs is whether they transmit diseases. Although bed bugs can harbor pathogens in their bodies, transmission to humans is highly unlikely. For this reason, they are not considered a serious disease threat. Their medical significance is mainly limited to the itching and inflammation from their bites, and in some rare cases, allergic reaction."
Yet people spend thousands of dollars trying to get bed bugs out of their houses. If bed bugs are brought home from the UN, who will pay? Even on the health issues, the source of the UN's medical advice is not clear.
It is understood that the bed bugs were introduced by the UN's moving contractor, which also works other jobs with beds and furniture. This same company went to the other swing spaces, on Madison, Third and Second Avenues, and also has already come back and forth into UN headquarters carrying boxes.
"Gaddafi's tent sounds pretty good now," one wag said, referring to the Libyan leader's rejected proposal to stay in a tent on the UN's North Lawn or even Central Park.
The internal UN directive says there may be bugs in other UN premises beyond the 46th Street Albano Building:
" A broadcast email will provide specific guidance to all affected staff in the Albano Building on how to leave their workspace when they finish work before the weekend and regarding their return to work after the weekend. With the assistance of the pest control experts, the Facilities Management Service is checking other buildings for possible infestations and will take other measures as appropriate."
Inner City Press reported the bed bugs on September 11, and published a leaked internal confirmation on September 16. On September 17 there was no UN noon media briefing, only a scripted briefing by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at which no such questions were allowed or answered.
There ostensibly was a mid-day UN media briefing on September 18, but it was scheduled for only 15 minutes. Spokesperson Michele Montas arrived with only nine of the minutes remaining, read out loud a series of press releases and then said that no questions could be asked. She said to Inner City Press, "I will answer you questions later." Video here, from Minute 9:38.
But while Inner City Press submitted a simple question about the bed bugs to Ms Montas and her Associate, no answer has been given, and the response appears to be that no answer will be given. If and when the UN's actual response on and plan to deal with the now confirmed bed bugs is received, we will publish it. For now, watch out, and watch this site.
