A section of the Washington Pavilion is closed until next week due to an issue with mites. Staff at the Kirby Science Discovery Center found small bugs called red mites on two of its resident box turtles Wednesday. The center is taking measures to make sure guests, staff and the turtles are safe.
The Pavilion took immediate action to close its doors after the turtles were diagnosed with red mites by a veterinarian. The Kirby Science Discovery Center is now being professionally fumigated which requires almost 24 hours of drying time.
Michele Wellman is the director of marketing at the Pavilion. She says the mites produce red itchy bumps on human skin.
"We’ve been in touch with the state health department and they say we’re absolutely doing what’s right. This is a bird mite," says Wellman. "They like birds they like rodents they don’t like people. So they don’t stay on people very long and so they probably just kind of bite you and say ‘you’re not a bird’ and then they leave."
Wellman says visitors that may have come in contact with the turtles are being notified. If they experience itchy skin and/or small red bumps they should visit their physician.
She says the turtles are now mite-free and are residing at the vet. until the Science Center‘s fumigation is complete.
She says the Center plans to open again on Tuesday.