Bed bugs found in Kansas City airport seating area

Staff and wire reports | USA TODAY

Bed bugs have been found in a sitting area at the Kansas City International Airport in Missouri.

The Kansas City Star reports that the discovery was made Thursday inside Terminal B. Airport spokesman Kathleen Hefner says the infestation was on an upholstered chair in an area near several restaurants.

Hefner says the mezzanine area of the terminal was closed temporarily to clean for the bugs. She says no food prep areas were contaminated.

The affected area was reopened early Friday after receiving treatment.

Contributing: The Assocaited Press

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While the bedbug outbreak didn't extend to adjacent eateries, it did force their closure while the seating area was treated, according to local media.

“It’s a bummer because I’m not sure if there’s anything else open,” Michelle Micsko, who was waiting for a flight to Arizona to tour colleges with her daughter, said to KSHB Channel 4 of Kansas City. “There’s really nothing else except snacks.”

Others said they weren't in the mood to eat after learning of the cause of the closure.

“My appetite is kind of done for today," passenger Michael Roach said to Kansas City's Fox 4 after heading to the food court during a layover. “It’s actually quite alarming.”

Food options can be limited for fliers at Kansas City's airport, where separate security is needed to enter various clusters of gates. Some areas have more retail options than others, but customers cannot move between many gate areas without leaving and reentering security.

That will change once a new airport terminal is built there. A recently approved $1 billion terminal is expected to be finished early next decade.

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