Could Paris Olympics be a super-spreader event for dengue?

Fearing a surge in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue during the Paris Olympics, France’s health agency, the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS), launched a mosquito control operation in June. With millions of visitors expected for the month-long event lasting from July 26 to August 11, the ARS deployed 526 traps across Paris to monitor mosquito populations. These traps will be tested later to identify any potential threats.

Many experts have been suggesting the Paris Olympics could be a “super-spreader event for dengue”, mainly led by Mark Booth, Senior Lecturer in Parasite Epidemiology, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University. Booth wrote in The Conversation last month about how dengue is now being transmitted locally in northern Europe and how the Paris Olympics could worsen the situation.

What does super-spreader mean?

The term super-spreader refers to an event that significantly accelerates the spread of an infectious disease due to a high concentration of people in one location, explained Dr Manisha Arora, Director – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Given the large influx of international visitors and the high density of people expected at the Olympics, the risk of dengue transmission could be heightened, she said.

Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates (File photo)

How can the Paris Olympics act as a super-spreader?

“Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates. As the Olympics will attract athletes and spectators from around the world, the concentration of people in one location increases the risk of dengue transmission,” Dr Arora explained.

Dr Arora, in a conversation with The Indian Express, concurred with Booth, advising caution given recent increases in dengue cases in France, particularly in cities like Paris where the Asian tiger mosquito, which thrives in hot, wet conditions, is prevalent.

Past experiences in Europe, particularly in France, where dengue cases have surged and outbreaks of other pest-related issues like bedbugs have occurred, contribute to these concerns. While it is difficult to predict the exact outcome, the heightened vigilance and preparation by French health authorities reflect the seriousness of the situation.

What does this mean for the athletes participating?

For athletes and other delegations participating in the Paris Olympics, the risk of dengue fever could have several implications. If outbreaks occur, there could be concerns about health and safety, potentially impacting athletes’ performance and overall well-being.

According to Dr Arora, the presence of dengue could lead to additional health precautions, including health screenings and advisories to avoid mosquito bites. The French government’s measures, such as mosquito traps and public awareness campaigns, are aimed at reducing this risk.

However, athletes and delegations should remain vigilant, follow health advisories, and take personal protective measures to minimise the risk of contracting dengue and ensure safe participation in the event.

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