In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ARS Île-de-France will receive support from four health technicians from the ARS Réunion. This initiative is part of a cooperation to strengthen local teams against increased health risks during the summer period. With the proliferation of the Aedes Albopictus mosquito in French territory, the summer season poses a high-risk period for the transmission of vector-borne diseases. The expected influx of visitors for the Olympics and Paralympics only heightens this risk, making the mission of health technicians even more essential.
Responding to a request from the ARS Île-de-France, the four health technicians from the ARS Réunion will join the surveillance, alert, and health management unit. Their mission will be multifaceted. They will manage reports of mosquito-borne diseases by conducting investigations among infected individuals and identifying potential contamination sites. They will direct vector control actions in the field to limit the spread of diseases and share their expertise and experiences in vector control with their counterparts in Île-de-France.
The health technicians from the ARS Réunion have already proven themselves internationally, with missions carried out in Mauritius in April and Rodrigues in June of this year. Their mobilization for the Olympic and Paralympic Games demonstrates their competence and experience in managing health risks related to mosquitoes, according to the ARS statement.
Between May 1, 2024, and July 16, 2024, metropolitan France recorded 826 imported cases of dengue, with 718 in departments where Aedes Albopictus is present. More than half of these cases came from Guadeloupe or Martinique. There were 5 imported cases of chikungunya, with 4 in departments where the mosquito is established, and 3 imported cases of Zika, all in departments colonized by Aedes Albopictus.
The collaboration between the ARS Île-de-France and the ARS Réunion highlights the importance of teamwork and expertise in addressing health challenges, especially during major events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, public health officials can effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with vector-borne diseases, ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors. Such initiatives not only demonstrate the commitment of health professionals to protecting public health but also serve as a model for future collaborations and partnerships in addressing global health threats.