In France, where the next Summer Olympics will be held, French authorities are not just tackling problems related to stuff like logistics before the world’s biggest sporting event, but bed bugs, too. Yes, bed bugs.
Various news outlets reported that bed bugs have already infested not just homes in Paris, but also places where there are crowds of people, like cinemas, hospitals, and trains.
If not contained, the bed bug outbreak may reach the time when the Olympics will be held in the city next year.
Bed bugs pose health risks
Bed bugs may be tiny, but their effects on a person’s health are huge. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these insects are “a public health issue.”
While they have not been shown to transmit diseases, they can cause various negative physical and mental health consequences, as well as economic consequences.
These include severe allergic reactions to their bites, which can, at times, lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening hypersensitivity disorder; impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis; and mental health impacts.
Prompted authorities to take action
The scope of the outbreak has already prompted French authorities to take action.
France’s Minister Delegate for Transport, Clément Beaune, posted on his X account how he plans to bring together transport operators this week “to act in the interests of passengers.”
“To protect and to reassure,” Beanie said.
This post of his came in a day after Paris’ deputy mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire already penned a letter on behalf of the City Hall urging France’s Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne to act on this “scourge.”
“Bed bugs are a public health problem and should be reported as such,” Grégoire wrote. “The state must urgently bring together all concerned in order to enact an action plan appropriate with this scourge as all of France prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.”
Hoping that these bed bugs won’t join the crowds during next year’s Olympics!
