School officials work to put false bed bug rumors to rest

Officials say no infestation at school despite social media furor

WOONSOCKET – The Woonsocket Education Department robo-called hundreds of parents Woonsocket High School students yesterday in attempts to squelch rampant rumors of a bed bug infestation at Woonsocket High School.

Supt. Patrick McGee also sent an e-mail to all parents, guardians and staff associated with the high school to set the record straight.

“First, let me say there is no infestation, nor has there been an infestation, of bed bugs at Woonsocket High School, or any other school in the Woonsocket Education Department,” McGee wrote.

In an interview, McGee said he sent out the notice after a meeting with WHS Principal Carnell Henderson; Peter Fontaine, director of facilities; the school nurse; and the head custodian Wednesday morning.

McGee said the rumors blew up on social media after an “isolated case” of bed bugs involving just one individual was discovered by school personnel on Jan. 29.

Apparently, the rumors had been spreading on social media for several days, and calls from concerned parents began pouring into the high school and the McFee Administration Building.

“There have been many, many calls, both at the high school and the central office,” McGee said.

After the discovery of one student affected by bed bugs, McGee said the education department followed the district protocol for addressing inci- dents involving the parasites. The issue was addressed with the student’s family, then the custodial staff of Woonsocket High School followed the district’s pest management procedures and “thoroughly treated the necessary rooms” within hours of the discovery of the incident.

“It is, and has always been, my practice to demonstrate transparency when it comes to your child’s welfare and education,” McGee advised parents. “Again, this was an isolated case and not an infestation of bed bugs at Woonsocket High School.”

Since the Jan. 29 incident, McGee said there have been no other reports or confirmed cases of bed bugs at the high school.