School officials say rumors of bed bud infestation at local elementary are false

BOURBON, Ind. -- Administrators at an elementary school in Marshall County are dispelling rumors and trying to put parents' minds at ease after bed bugs were found in a classroom last week. 

The school principal, along with two school nurses are assuring the community that the school is nowhere near infected, rather one classroom had bugs, and those bugs have been eliminated. 

"Rumors of a bed bug infestation at Triton Elementary are false, but bed bugs can hitchhike on students’ clothing, backpacks, books, or other belongings from an infested home," Triton Elementary administrators said. "We are asking you to be diligent about checking your child’s clothing and personal items before coming to school."

Full letter from Triton Elementary School:

Dear Families,

On Thursday this past week, a couple of live bed bugs was found in one classroom at Triton Elementary. The families of students in the classroom were notified of the issue and the school’s actions.

The maintenance department has taken proactive measures this weekend in all classrooms to treat carpets, furniture, and closets where bed bugs can hide. At this time, no additional bugs have been found.

Rumors of a bed bug infestation at Triton Elementary are false, but bed bugs can hitchhike on students’ clothing, backpacks, books, or other belongings from an infested home. We are asking you to be diligent about checking your child’s clothing and personal items before coming to school. I am attaching the guidance from the Marshall County Health Department which is the protocol we will follow. Please read it carefully and note the policy on page 2 regarding when bed bugs are found at school on a child or child’s belongings. Notifying individual families and containing personal items will be our next step if it is deemed necessary.

The health and welfare of our students and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to monitor this issue and inform you of updates when available. If you have any questions, please reach out to our office at 574-342-2355 and ask to speak with one of our nurses or me.

Cordially,
Mrs. Christine Cook, Principal
Mrs. Brenna Cook, School Nurse
Mrs. Jenneal Neidig, School Nurse