The Paris authorities are implementing various measures to manage and eradicate the Aedes mosquito, which spreads infectious diseases, before the start of the summer Olympics.
France is hustling to ensure that mosquitoes carrying the virus do not spoil the Paris Olympics for athletes, fans, and millions of tourists converging on the capital for the Summer Games, AFP reported on March 24. The Aedes mosquito has spread across many areas in northern Europe, including France, over the past two decades, transmitting several dangerous diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika.
Aedes mosquitoes can spread various infectious diseases. (Image: CDC).
Climate change has enabled Aedes mosquitoes to adapt more easily to colder climates. Authorities have reported that the Normandy region in the northwest, previously free of mosquitoes, has recently seen the appearance of mosquitoes similar to those found elsewhere in the country. They are looking to eradicate the mosquitoes, including fumigating various areas in Paris, a technique commonly used in tropical cities.
However, the Paris Olympics is only four months away. Experts predict that a bite from an Aedes mosquito could jeopardize an athlete’s chance of competing. “When you are sick from dengue fever, you won’t be able to jump over any obstacles,” emphasized Didier Fontenille, an entomologist and infectious disease expert. “The host cities, especially the Olympic Village, must be mosquito-free.” Health officials have promised to enhance monitoring of the threat posed by mosquitoes, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate. France reported 45 cases of dengue fever last year, contributing to the local spread of the virus.
Aedes mosquitoes thrive in cities, where stagnant water provides ideal conditions for them to breed. According to Fontenille, managing stagnant water, including leftover water in flower pots or saucers, will help alleviate the problem. Various sprays, mosquito nets, and organic larvicides can be effective. Mosquito traps, designed to mimic human body odors to attract and kill mosquitoes, have also shown promising results.
Biogents, a mosquito control company, won a contract to protect Marseille Marina, the venue for sailing competitions, with plans to install 15 mosquito traps. Co-director Hugo Plan shared that they will commence installation next month over an area of more than one hectare in damp, shaded locations. Throughout the Olympics, company staff will regularly check the 80 cm tall metal boxes used to catch mosquitoes. The fight against Aedes mosquitoes has opened up a growing business sector. The French company Qista reported that it has installed 13,000 insect control devices in 26 countries over the past decade.
