A report of a single bedbug being found at Warren East High School prompted county school officials to call in an exterminator to inspect the facility.

Morgan Watson, chief communication officer for Warren County Public Schools, said no additional bedbugs were found and it was determined that there was no need to treat the building.

Watson said the district has communicated with parents about how bedbugs can spread. She said she feels confident the situation has been addressed appropriately.

“To my knowledge, we’ve not had any incidents or reports,” since the original report was made Friday, Watson said.

In a message Tuesday to district families, Superintendent Rob Clayton said he wanted “to take this opportunity to inform our families about (Warren County Public Schools’) efforts to address a few, isolated reports of bedbugs in our schools and community.”

“Unfortunately, the presence of bed bugs is not unique to our schools as isolated cases have been confirmed in other communities within our area and across the region,” he wrote.

“Despite public perception, bed bugs do not discriminate and can be found in upscale homes, hotels, schools, doctor’s offices,” Clayton added. “Additionally, there is nothing a public entity can do to prevent an individual from bringing bed bugs into a facility. However, we can be proactive and vigilant in how we respond to such instances and I want to assure everyone that our school principals and district personnel will continue to do so in each instance.”

Clayton said the district’s method for addressing bedbugs is similar to how it handles head lice. He shared information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which states that bedbugs travel in seams and folds in luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding and furniture, among other crevices.

Following any bedbug reports, Clayton said the district follows “the guidance of the CDC, Barren River Health Department and our local pest control management company.”

“If you have any concerns, we encourage you to check your student’s backpack, coats, and other belongings and you may visit the Barren River District Health Department website to learn what to do if you find a bedbug in your home or on your belongings,” he wrote in the message.

“As always, the safety of our students will remain our top priority and you are encouraged to reach out to us with any questions or concerns by calling our director of pupil personnel, Jeff Moore at 270-781-5150.”