Paris Takes Action: Fumigating to Combat Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes
Paris has been fumigated for the first time to prevent the spread of dengue by disease-ridden tiger mosquitoes. Concerns arose after two people contracted dengue abroad, raising the possibility of domestic transmission. The invasive Asian tiger mosquito, which carries diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile fever, is gaining ground in France due to climate change. The fumigation in Paris reflects the increasing threat posed by these insects. The European Centre for Disease Control warns that heat waves and flooding are creating ideal conditions for tiger mosquitoes to thrive. The species is now established in 13 countries, including parts of Spain, Germany, Italy, and Croatia. Dengue infects around 400 million people globally each year, causing severe joint pain and hospitalizing 500,000 individuals. Major outbreaks have occurred in Asia and South America, with Guatemala recently declaring a national health emergency.