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Common bed bugs can be naturally infested with at least 27 different human pathogens but there is little evidence that they transmit any of these to man. Bed bug bites are similar to flea bites except that a red area does not occur in the center. Since bed bugs normally feed at night while their host is in a prone or supine position, most bites are on the face, neck, arms and hands. Many people show an immediate response to bed bug bites which is a large oval or oblong inflamed spot or swelling, termed a wheal. The wheal may occur as an allergic reaction and it may be accompanied by severe itching and inflammation. Individual reaction to bites ranges from no reaction, immediate reaction to delayed reaction.
The saliva of bed bugs contains proteins that can cause progressive sensitivity with repeated bites Some individuals who are frequently bitten by bed bugs develop a sensitivity syndrome that includes nervousness, agitation ("jumpiness") and sleeplessness.
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