Fears are growing in France that tiger mosquitoes could threaten visitors to the Paris Olympics this summer, as the insect - which can carry diseases - has now been reported across the entire country.
Authorities are planning further efforts in a bid to deter the insects (Aedes albopictus), including fumigation and traps, and awareness-raising campaigns among visitors and athletes. Organisers are also working to reduce areas in which stagnant water could build up, as this can be a major factor.
People are encouraged to use mosquito nets and repellents, as the insects are known to spread vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika.
Already, cases of native dengue have been reported in France, meaning they were cases in people who had become infected in France, and had not travelled to a country typically associated with the disease.
Experts fear that a bite from an infected tiger mosquito could jeopardise an athlete’s chance of competing in the event, if they contract an illness as a result.
Traps from a specialist company, Biogents, are already being trialled in Marseille Marina.
These devices mimic human body odour to attract the insects and trap them inside. Globally, scientific researchers are also working on more drastic measures, including modifying the insects’ DNA and sterilising them.
Tiger mosquito spread
The mosquito has spread across France in recent years after first being reported in 2004. It is also present in the overseas territories of La Reunion, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana.
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Initially found only in the south, it has now been confirmed across the entire country, including most recently in Normandy, which had previously been free of the insect.
In March, the Agence régionale de santé (ARS) Normandie confirmed that its tests in five departments had found that tiger mosquitoes were now present in the region, notably in Seine-Maritime.
Despite their name, tiger mosquitoes are smaller than typical mosquitoes and do not make the tell-tale buzzing sound. They have distinctive stripes on their body, and tend to bite during the day (morning and early evening), rather than at night.
They are mainly active between the months of May and November.
It is also recommended that you report any sightings or bites to Signalement-moustique.anses.fr, the specialist government health department (Anses) website. The page also includes more information about the insect and how to prevent its spread.
How can I protect myself from bites?
The ARS advises:
Use repellents, including products that include Deet, IR 3535, KBR 3023, or citriodiol
Wear long clothing
Hang mosquito nets
Consult a doctor if you develop symptoms such as joint/muscle pain, headaches, a skin rash with or without fever, or conjunctivitis within 10 days of your return from an affected country, or after having been bitten in France.
Dengue is not contagious among humans, but is spread by bites from an infected mosquito.
