Paris seeks to eradicate mosquitoes before the Olympics

Paris authorities are taking many measures to treat and eradicate mosquitoes that spread infectious diseases before the Summer Olympics begin.

France is rushing to prepare to ensure that virus-carrying mosquitoes do not ruin the Paris Olympics for athletes and fans, along with millions of tourists gathering in the country's capital for the Summer Olympics , AFP on June 24. 3 reported. Aedes have spread across many parts of northern Europe, including France , over the past two decades, transmitting dangerous diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and zika.

Aedes can spread many infectious diseases. (Photo: CDC).

Climate change helps mosquitoes easily adapt to cold climates. Authorities announced that the northwestern Normandy region, the last mosquito-free region in France, has recently had mosquitoes similar to other parts of the country. They sought to kill mosquitoes, including fumigating parts of Paris, a technique commonly used in tropical cities.

However, the Paris Olympics are only 4 months away. Experts predict that a midge bite can destroy an athlete's chances of participating in competition. "When you're sick with dengue fever, you won't be able to jump over any obstacles ," emphasized Didier Fontenille, an entomologist and infectious disease expert. "Cities hosting competitions, especially the Olympic Village, need to be mosquito-free . " Health officials promise to increase monitoring of the threat from mosquitoes, which are difficult to eradicate. France recorded 45 cases of dengue fever last year, contributing to the local spread of the virus.

Aedes mosquitoes thrive best in cities , where stagnant pools of water provide ideal conditions for them to lay eggs. According to Fontenille, dealing with stagnant water, including water left in flower pots or drip trays, will help reduce the problem. Sprays, mosquito nets and organic insecticides for mosquito larvae can be effective. Mosquito traps, which mimic human body odor to attract and kill mosquitoes, also show promising results.

Biogents , a mosquito control company, won a bid to protect Marseille Marina, the sailing competition area, with plans to install 15 mosquito traps. Co-director Hugo Plan shared that they will carry out installation next month on an area of ​​more than one hectare in shady wet areas. During the Olympics, company staff will regularly check the 80 cm high metal box used to catch mosquitoes. The fight against midges opened up a thriving business. French company Qista says it has installed 13,000 anti-insect devices in 26 countries over the past decade.