A family of a school in Barrie has reported bed bugs, leading staff to send letters home to parents. An initial letter outlining a report of bed bugs at Barrie North Collegiate Institute was sent out to parents on Wednesday. The Simcoe County District School Board says that’s board procedure. According to the second letter sent to families and obtained by CTV News, the school investigated further and say no bed bugs are present at the school. As part of the investigation, they discovered the original report was by a family saying there were bed bugs in the Barrie North community. The second letter, sent by the school’s principal, Alison Chornobaj, says there will be an increased awareness at the school out of an abundance of caution. “We appreciate being provided with this information so we can take the necessary precautions,” the letter states. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) says anyone, anywhere can be affected by bed bugs. According to the health unit, the insects are small, but big enough to see, around the shape and size of an apple seed. They are typically active at night, avoid the light and spend most of their time hiding. They also travel by attaching themselves to things that people have on them like clothing and bags. Bed bug bites are usually itchy and can sometimes cause an allergic reaction in some people. They don’t transmit disease.
