Bed Bugs Blamed for NBA Star Missing Most of a Recent Game

In February, ESPN and other media outlets reported on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving’s reason for being pulled out early in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The NBA star was suffering from flu-like symptoms that he blamed on a bed bug infestation at the hotel the team had been staying at.

According to the ESPN report, the hotel confirmed that bed bugs had indeed been found in Irving’s hotel room. The hotel had it and surrounding rooms inspected and it was then treated to remove the insects.  

Bed bugs are found worldwide and up until several years ago were considered by many as primarily a problem in developing countries. In recent years, there have been countless reports of bed bugs infestations in places that had not had issues for decades or more. These small, flat, parasitic insects feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find. They can be an ongoing annoyance because they often cause itching and loss of sleep for people living in or visiting an infested property. Some people may even suffer allergic reactions to their presence. 

“Today, the insects can be found in everything from single family homes and apartment complexes to luxury resorts and hotels,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Due to their size and habits, bed bugs can be difficult to find so EMSL developed an easy-to-use Bed Bug Test Kit. Once a sample is collected and sent to the laboratory, it is analyzed using advanced qPCR techniques that are exceptionally accurate and sensitive. If test results indicate the insects are present, corrective actions can be put in place to exterminate the pests.”

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about bed bugs that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/gfAt_UAgNqA.

To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental issues, please contact EMSL at www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . The Bed Bug Test Kits can be obtained at: www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail