An expert has issued an urgent warning over the presence of a specific type of mosquito at this summer’s Paris Olympic Games, believing they could bring a dangerous virus to the UK. Bite prevention expert Howard Carter has urged travellers to stay safe amid what he says could become a “super-spreader event”.
According to Mr Carter, those visiting France for the games could be exposing themselves to mosquitoes carrying dengue fever.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has confirmed that an invasive species of mosquito – the tiger mosquito – has been found in 13 EU countries.
This has been linked to a rise in dengue fever in Europe, which is typically found in tropical areas.
Due to rising temperatures, the bugs have been found as far north as Paris, with authorities monitoring and trapping the insect.
Since 2016, tiger mosquitoes have also been detected in the UK, prompting concern from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Mr Carter explained: “The Paris Olympics could become what is termed a ‘super-spreader event’.
“Dengue fever is on our doorstep, European cases have dramatically increased.
“Asian tiger mosquitoes that have the capacity to carry the deadly virus are currently in the UK.”
He warned that travellers should take precautions to stay safe.
“It is more important this summer than ever before that UK travellers take insect repellent with them,” Mr Carter said.
“Aside from creating the avoidable spread of disease, it puts an unnecessary strain on the NHS.
“From 2010 to 2021 there were 73 incidences of dengue in Europe – 71 cases reported in 2022 and 130 in 2023 – a huge increase.
“Last month there were 600 reported cases. Warning signs are at many EU airports.”
He shared his rules for preventing bites using the acronym CLOAK:
- C – Cover up skin as much as possible with suitable clothing, especially arms and legs. You can also soak clothes with 10-20 drops of Java citronella (not the cheaper and less effective c. nardus) in water and leave for 15 minutes or more.
- L – Light-coloured loose clothing is advisable to wear as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.
- O – Odours, both bodily and otherwise, for example, perfumes and nearly all scented toiletries attract insects to you. Instead, wash thoroughly morning and evening with a hair and bodywash containing organic java citronella and other repellent essential oils. Use a loofah every other day to remove dirt from skin pores if you are very attractive to insects.
- A – Apply an effective insect repellent. Reapply every four to five hours or whenever necessary.
- K – Keep emptying water containers, however small, as a mosquito can lay 200 eggs in a bottle top of water. And keep away from stagnant water.
Dengue fever symptoms
Not everyone infected with dengue will display symptoms but if you do have symptoms, they usually start four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the NHS says.
Some dengue symptoms are similar to flu.
They include:
- A high temperature
- A severe headache
- Pain behind your eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Swollen glands
- A blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body.
In more severe cases it can cause:
- Severe tummy pain
- Repeatedly being sick
- Fast breathing
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Being unable to relax (restlessness)
- Blood in your vomit or poo.
The NHS says you should call 999 if you are experiencing symptoms of severe dengue after travelling to a country where dengue is found.