LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
Veterans
Administration officials closed both the primary care and mental health
portions of the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic Monday after live bedbugs
were found on a veteran's skin and wheelchair Friday.
The VA
Clinic initially only closed the primary care side of the building after the
man found with bedbugs on his skin and wheelchair came in complaining of a body
rash. Although he was asked to stay for treatment, he refused.
An
exterminator was brought in on Saturday, and he sprayed a powdery substance all
over the building. The substance was left to sit for 24 hours. After the exterminator
again found live bedbugs still inside the building, he sprayed the substance
again.
At that
point, VA officials made the decision to close the entire building Monday, so
they could evaluate the severity of the infestation. As of Monday, they had not
found any live bed bugs, and VA officials expect to open the clinic Tuesday.
Patients
who were in the clinic on Friday were contacted, so that they could be aware of
the bed bugs and seek treatment if necessary. In addition, VA officials alerted
Adult Protective Services to go to the home of the veteran who refused
treatment to see if they can persuade him to get treatment elsewhere or at the
clinic.
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