French Education Minister Gabriel Attal has revealed that more than fifteen institutions in France have been infested with bedbugs, leading to the closure of seven schools across the country. Attal acknowledged that the number of reported cases is increasing.
At present, bedbugs have been detected at various levels in approximately 17 institutions, with seven schools still closed due to the infestation. While this represents only a small fraction of the 60,000 institutions in the country, the minister emphasized the need for an immediate response to provide treatment for affected establishments within 24 hours.
The situation has raised concerns, particularly in light of Paris hosting the Olympic Games next summer. Local officials in the capital have called on federal authorities to address the pest problem. In fact, Paris city hall recently filed a formal complaint urging the government to take action against the bedbugs.
Emmanuel Gregoire, the First Deputy Mayor of Paris, described the bedbug outbreak as a “national emergency.” He stressed the importance of addressing the issue before the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the entire country gears up to host the games.
According to ANSES, the French health and safety agency, the country has been grappling with a bedbug problem for several years. Between 2017 and 2022, over 10% of households in France were infested with these pests. This increase in bedbug infestations can be attributed to heightened travel activities and the parasites’ growing resistance to insecticides, as stated by the agency.
The reports of infestations have emerged just before Paris Fashion Week, which took place from September 21 to October 3. Sky News reported that UK travelers are concerned about bringing bedbugs back from their vacations in France. A British microbiologist quoted by the outlet suggested that London may face a similar level of insect problem as Paris.
In conclusion, the infestation of bedbugs in French institutions, including the closure of schools, has become a pressing concern. With the upcoming Paris Olympics, authorities are under pressure to address the issue promptly. The rise in bedbug infestations in the country and their resistance to insecticides pose significant challenges. Travel activities have also been identified as a contributing factor. Efforts must be made to tackle the bedbug problem effectively to ensure the safety and well-being of the population, as well as the success of major events like the Olympics.
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