Health authorities have been concerned about the spread of dengue at the Olympic Games. Here are some tips to limit exposure and avoid contagion.
Los 2024 Olympic Games officially start in Paris on Fridaythe capital of France, attracting millions of athletes, spectators and tourists from around the world.
The influx of visitors to this large-scale global event has raised concern about the possible spread of various diseasesincluding transmitted by mosquitoes.
An infection that has attracted a lot of attention recently is denguedue to the increase in cases in the last two months.
Dengue, which is not common in northern Europe, has begun to spread on the continent because local mosquitoes carry the virus. Cases of dengue have also been recorded in the Paris region.
‘Dengue detectives’ deployed in Paris ahead of Olympic Games to monitor Asian tiger mosquitoes, which feed on humans and spread the virus.
“It is true that the Olympic Games are a critical moment. We are prioritizing our surveillance in places that will host large gatherings. That is where the risk of transmission is higher“Cécile Somarriba, director of health surveillance and security at the Greater Paris Regional Health Agency (ARS), told ‘The Telegraph’.
According to health authorities, 526 nest traps are being checked to detect the presence of these mosquitoes dengue transmitters, prioritizing locations where large gatherings are expected to occur, in an effort to limit the risk of transmission.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
Dengue, also known like broken bone feveris transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of infection include high fever, Severe headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting y acne. These symptoms usually appear four to ten days after infection.
Although symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks, some people can develop severe dengue, which can be fatal in extreme cases. However, many dengue infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild illness.
Tips to avoid dengue
Given the maximum alert and the cases recorded in the Paris regionevent attendees should take precautions to avoid becoming infected, authorities have said.
Although the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites, there are some advice recommended by the WHO that must be followed to protect yourself from dengue.
- Wear protective clothing: Choose long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes to cover as much of the body as possible.
- Use mosquito repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
- Use mosquito nets on windows: Make sure windows and doors have adequate mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out.
- Use mosquito coils and vaporizers: They could be especially effective in reducing mosquito populations indoors.
However, if the infection persists, it is recommended rest, drink much liquid y take paracetamol to relieve pain. In cases where the infection is severe, it is crucial to contact the doctor and seek care in hospitals as soon as possible.
