New York hits back over bedbug claims

The Hotel Association of New York has hit back over claims that the city is suffering a bedbug infestation.

The group issued a statement from President and CEO Joseph E. Spinnato October 25 to counter recent media reports that the city is suffering from a severe infestation of bed bugs.

"There is a misperception about a massive bedbug infestation in New York City hotels," said Spinnato.

"The perception is simply wrong, triggered by reports of isolated incidents which have been professionally and thoroughly treated according to the most rigorous industry standard."

He also said that there has been an increase in bedbugs in America over the last several years which has had a "minimal impact on the vast majority of hotels."

Several high profile NYC hotels made headlines earlier this year after it emerged that guests were taking legal action after being bitten, but concerns that bedbugs have spread beyond hotels have reportedly caused some travelers to cancel their visits, although this has been denied by authorities.

Sightings of the tiny creatures in buildings such as the Empire State Building, Bloomingdale's and Lincoln Center also prompted a comment Monday from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who told reporters "hopefully these things come and go, and this will go quickly."

How to avoid bedbug bites: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/how-to-avoid-bed-bug-bites-2116127.html