Open AccessHematophagous Ectoparasites of Cliff Swallows Invade a Hospital and Feed on Humans
Author(s) -
Norman Beatty,
Stephen A. Klotz,
Sean P. Elliott
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.44
H-Index - 336
eISSN - 1537-6591
pISSN - 1058-4838
DOI - 10.1093/cid/cix697
Subject(s) - eaves , infestation , medicine , biology , disease reservoir , outbreak , ecology , veterinary medicine , virology , geography , agronomy , archaeology , roof
We describe a hospital infestation by 2 hematophagous ectoparasites of cliff swallows that nested in the window eaves. Breaks in window seals allowed entry of swallow ticks and swallow bugs. These pests emerged in large numbers in patient rooms, hallways, and stairwells; 17% of the ticks fed on humans.
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