Danville VA fights flea infestation most likely caused by raccoons

DANVILLE — The Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System has been working to eradicate a flea infestation, most likely caused by raccoons. 

The problem first was noticed in August, said Wade J. Habshey, health system specialist/public affairs officer to the director. Since then, he said, “Staff and local pest control companies have conducted flea abatement activities to eradicate a flea infestation and to ensure patient safety in Building 58.”

The flea abatement process involves a series of repetitive measures, which includes re-treatment of the affected area over a period of time, he said. As a result, some services of the Imaging-Radiology/CT/MRI/Nuclear Medicine areas were impacted.

For example, he said, the ultrasound service temporarily was relocated from the first floor of Building 58 to the fourth floor of Building 58 in Room 405.

“All urgent radiology tests unable to be performed during this time period were fee-based out to our local community hospital (Presence United Samaritans Medical Center),” Habshey said.

Patients were notified by Imaging Service staff of these modifications during the flea abatement activities.

Habshey said the source of the flea infestation is believed to be raccoons that were found living in the ceiling above the first floor in Building 58 in late July. Construction to the entrance of Building 58 building disturbed the exterior of the building, allowing several raccoons an avenue to enter the building.

A live animal pest control company placed traps in that area and several raccoons were caught and removed.

"In addition, the engineering department closed the openings from the outside that we found where the raccoons could have been gaining access to that area," Habshey said.

The flea abatement process will continue as long as necessary to ensure a safe treatment environment for patients and staff, he added.

The program manager for Textile Care & Pest Management, Environmental Management Service, at VA Central Office has been contacted for consultation and Illiana is coordinating with that office as the retreatment continues, he said.

“(Illiana) officials are working hard with their partners to eradicate the flea infestation,” Habshey said in a news release. “Providing a safe treatment and work environment for our patients and staff is a top priority at the VA.”