The 2024 Olympics in Paris (July 26-August 11) are bound to be a big party…except for the tiger mosquitoes. A few weeks before the event, the Ile-de-France region intensified its surveillance campaign against this insect, which is a vector of diseases such as dengue fever.
Explosion of dengue cases imported into France
Kevin Minyan, head of the vector control division at the regional mosquito control agency, explained to AFP his structure's strategy for reducing the spread of tiger mosquitoes ahead of the inevitable Olympics. On the outskirts of the Stade de France, north of Paris, where many Olympic events such as athletics will be held, a specialist comes to evaluate a nesting trap that was installed a few weeks ago in a grass-lined alley. This bucket – the potential spawning site – contains water and a square of polystyrene, which will support the spawning process. ” The goal is to monitor the presence of the tiger mosquito “, he explains to AFP.
From May 1 to November 30, the main period of activity of this disease-transmitting insect, health authorities will monitor the presence of tiger mosquitoes, increase awareness messages and launch possible mosquito control operations.
” During this time, we will come every month to remove the polystyrene in the trap to study it in the laboratory to see if there are tiger mosquito eggs, and if there are, how many there are. “,” continues Kevin Minyan, while pouring an organic product into the trap water. To avoid any possible development of larvae. »
Upon its arrival on the French mainland in 2004, the tiger mosquito gradually established itself in a large part of the capital's territory. As of January 1, it was present in 78 out of 96 departments, and is a potential vector for viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika, and is particularly present throughout the Paris region.
In mid-April, health authorities warned of an unprecedented situation: a record number of imported dengue cases – nearly 1,700 – had been registered in mainland France since the beginning of 2024. Since then, the record has been reached for the entire year 2023. (2019). He was beaten. These imported cases relate to people who have traveled to areas of the world where this virus is endemic: the French West Indies, and on a larger scale this year to Latin America and the Caribbean.
like ” The large number of imported cases could create local chains of transmission in France », Director General of Health Gregory Emery called for the utmost vigilance. A “local case” means that the person did not travel to areas where the virus is widespread but was bitten by a mosquito that became infected through contact with an infected traveler.
More than 500 traps have been installed in the area
Prevention messages will be More importantly, France will host the tournament in the next few weeks » The Olympic and Paralympic Games, during which “ Many travelers will come to the capital area », the Director General of Health told Agence France-Presse. In anticipation of the monitoring system, this year, “ Reinforced », confirms the Paris Regional Health Agency. Awareness and prevention information will be disseminated to travelers departing from or arriving to affected areas, especially at airports.
More than 500 nesting traps will be placed throughout the area. ” This year, we preferred places for large gatherings », confirmed to AFP Cecile Sommarripa, Director of Health Surveillance and Security at the Regional Health Agency of Ile-de-France. These traps will be deployed around the Stade de France, the Olympic Village, or even “fan zones.” » « In recent years, tiger mosquito populations have increased dramatically throughout Ile-de-France. It is clear that the health risks are increasing “, warns Kevin Minyan.
Read also. How to identify tiger mosquitoes?
ARS also encourages individuals to remove standing water, and potential breeding areas, in and around their homes. ” There are simple measures that can reduce the number of tiger mosquitoes », confirms Cécile Sommarripa, while admitting that « Big issue » For the Ile-de-France region.
