Paris: Paris, also known as the city of love, is now in the news for a less desirable reason- bedbugs. A massive outbreak of bedbugs has been reported across the public spaces across the capital and other French cities, raising concerns about health and safety implications.
People from Paris took to social media to share pictures and videos of the bloodsucking insects crawling all over high-speed trains, buses, movie theatres, and at Charles de Gaulle Airport, reported USA Today.
French transport Minister Clement Beaune announced that he would be meeting with representatives of public transportation companies to inform them about countermeasures for dealing with bed bugs and to “reassure and protect” the public amid the widespread infestation.
They also reported that the Paris city hall has urged President Emmanuel Macron to help with the infestation by creating a dedicated task force.
As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, bedbugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals during sleep. Infestations are widespread worldwide, often found in mattress seams, bed frames, cracks, curves, and even behind wallpaper.
Bedbugs tend to thrive in locations with frequent travel due to their ability to hide in luggage and clothing, irrespective of hygiene levels.
While they aren't known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause skin irritation. Those experiencing symptoms should wash clothing and fabrics at high temperatures and seek professional pest control services for home treatment.
Bedbug infestations were prevalent in France until the 1950s but resurged in the 1990s, driven by increased global travel.
Three years ago, the government initiated anti-bedbug efforts, including an informational website and a hotline, in response to the escalating infestation problem.
Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said it was a “widespread” phenomenon. “You have to understand that in reality no one is safe, obviously there are risk factors but in reality, you can catch bed bugs anywhere and bring them home,” Gregoire was quoted as saying by news agency CNN.
“There are 3.6 million people who come into Paris every day, and bedbugs do not stop on the outskirts of the city,” Gregoire said.
Paris has been bustling with international visitors due to its role as the host city for the Rugby World Cup. Concerns for health and safety are on the rise as the city prepares to host the Paris 2024 Olympics.