Infestation of Bed bugs Cimex lectularius (Heteroptera: Cimicidae): A Warning on increased infestations and public health implications in Paraná, Brazil.

Bed bugs are hematophagous bugs of wide distribution in the world, responsible for both economic and public health damage. In Brazil, records of their occurrences are neglected, with those reported located in the Northeast and Southeast regions, mostly in metropolitan areas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to report the occurrence of Bed bugs in the municipality of Cafelândia, in the interior of the state of Paraná. Between February and March 2024, two residents of Cafelândia sent small hematophagous insects found inside their homes to the Paraná State Department of Health. Later, these insects were identified as C. lectularius. This is the first record of C. lectularius for the southern region of Brazil, consequently for the state of Paraná. This report expands the distribution area of C. lectularius in Brazil, in addition, it is essential for monitoring and decision-making for the control of these insects. KEY WORDS: bedbug; citizen science, ectoparasitic infestations, epidemiological surveillance, monitoring