Bed bugs found at Portsmouth school

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - The bed bug war at Churchland High School claimed its first victims Friday.

Several students say they got sent home from school because they wouldn't take off or tuck in the hood of their hooded sweatshirts.

School officials confirmed bed bugs were found at the Portsmouth school this week.

According to Maureen Mizelle, the bed bugs were found in the library of Churchland High School Wednesday afternoon. Mizelle said the library was treated Wednesday night and Thursday morning, and that students were instructed Thursday to bag their coats and backpacks.

Mizelle could not tell 10 Your Side why they imposed the 'no hoodie' rule, because she said the Operations Department workers who made the rule were off Friday and would not return until Monday.

So, 10 On Your Side contacted a bed bug expert at Virginia Tech.  Associate Professor Dini Miller said, in response the action taken, "that was ridiculous".  She said unless kids are coming to school naked, bed bugs can pass from one person to another on any type of clothing.

She said people need to remain calm and that the only way to deal with bed bugs is logically and rationally, with a long term plan.

In February, I.C. Norcom High School students contacted WAVY.com when their teachers showed up to class wearing protective body suits. In that case, similar precautions were taken as students were told to bag their backpacks and other belongings. School officials told WAVY.com two students had shown up to school with bed bugs and the school was not treated.

Ten days prior to that incident, I.C. Norcom High School and Lakeview Elementary Schoo l were treated for bed bugs.