Woman hospitalized after waking up with more than 100 bedbug bites at UK hotel

A woman in the United Kingdom sought emergency medical treatment after suffering more than 100 suspected bedbug bites during a stay at a hotel in Exeter, an experience she described as the most stressful of her life, according to the Daily Mail.

Nicola Jenkins, 46, stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on October 12 while traveling for business. After her second night, she woke up covered in red marks on her face, neck, arms and torso. She said she had more than 100 bites and discovered approximately 40 dead bedbugs beneath the sheets.

Jenkins complained to the hotel reception, where staff reportedly offered her a refund, a room change and a complimentary hot drink. She chose to move to another hotel instead.

Symptoms worsened over several days

The itching intensified in the days that followed, and Jenkins described a persistent burning sensation on her skin. She visited a pharmacy after developing additional bites, but the antihistamines she received did not relieve her symptoms.

On October 19, she went to the emergency department with an arm that was severely red and swollen. Medical staff diagnosed a serious reaction to the bites and prescribed steroids to control the symptoms.

Jenkins said the hotel acknowledged the presence of bedbugs and offered her a complimentary weekend stay, which she rejected. She said she would not return to the hotel chain.

A hotel spokesperson expressed regret over the incident and said the company was investigating what happened.