We must not let the bed bugs bite

Bed bugs may be tiny - but not too small to be of big concern.

The SAR's move to escalate the alert after reports of infestation outbreaks of the bite-sized creatures in South Korea may not have been swift, but it was appropriate.

That's because France has been the epicenter of outbreaks, with the creepy-crawlies commonly sighted on public transport as well as in cinemas and well-known Parisian public places.

Perhaps Hongkongers were not too concerned then because, in contrast to South Korea, France is not as popular a travel destination for many locals.

But fear of the bigs started to grow as, besides Seoul, Busan and Incheon were also reported to have fallen victim to the bed-bug wave.

According to Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners executive director Caspar Tsui, this wave of outbreaks has also hit elsewhere in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Indonesia.

It's a fact of modern life that mega international events increase the risk of transmission. After the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris and other venues across France from September 8 to October 28, an increase in bed-bug incidents was reported elsewhere in Europe.

Since then, a British pest control company told a TV program that its business had increased by a fifth.

Bed bugs usually do not get much attention because they are not considered a serious health threat to humans - with the exception of a small number who are allergic to their bites.

But widespread infestation is a genuine concern, and South Korea has placed itself in battle mode for a very solid reason: who would continue to travel there and risk sitting and bedding down with the bugs?

The imagery alone is scary enough to force travelers to change their Christmas plans.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is handing out leaflets at the airport to visitors and local residents to enhance their awareness about bed-bug prevention and control, which is a necessary move.

Bear in mind that Christmas is a major season for the hospitality and retail sectors. It is fortunate that Hong Kong is not suffering as badly as its peers in the region, according to Tsui.

Perhaps there is also a sliver lining for Hong Kong as the city steps up its guard against an invasion of the little bugs in the midst of a surge in places near and far.

Will more visitors choose to travel to Hong Kong for the festive period? That could be an opportunity - if Hong Kong's tourism authorities are smart enough.

Also, will fewer Hongkongers travel to South Korea or Europe for Christmas to avoid the outbreaks? If so, this could be a blessing in disguise for the local catering and retail businesses.

Of course, Hong Kong must act urgently to prevent outbreaks - and distributing leaflets alone may not be sufficient.

Greater vigilance across the city is essential while, at the same time, avoiding the false impression that Hong Kong has also fallen victim to the nasty little nuisances.