Bedbug Infestations in Paris Cause Panic
Bedbug infestations in Paris are causing panic, as schools and other institutions close down.
Different Stories Arise About Bedbug Infestation in Paris
On Friday, the senior health officials and the economy and transport ministries met to discuss their actions against the parasites. The government was alarmed at how the bedbug story has domineered the headlines at home and overseas causing people to panic.
Ministers felt concerned that these stories (of which some are not because of bedbugs) would ruin Paris’s image. Simultaneously, the country’s tourism could suffer, especially at next year’s Olympics.
“I wouldn’t like to see a kind of French-bashing take hold… as it does sometimes in Anglo-Saxon countries. The problem needs to be taken very seriously. No denial. And no hysteria,” said Transport Minister Clément Beaune.
He added there were almost 50 reported bedbug sightings on Metro and SNCF trains, which weren’t verified. Besides, it’s occurring in cities everywhere.
Over the past weeks, pest-control companies throughout France revealed a huge rise in bedbug call-outs. According to experts, there’s always a resurgence after summer holidays and the spike increases every year.
Bedbug infestation was also reported in cinemas, hospitals, schools, and trains. Social media made the matter worse by increasing public anxiety.
Elisa-Lemonnier lycée high school teachers refused to work after verifying the school had indeed bedbug infestation. The harmful insects were discovered in offices, changing areas, and several classrooms.
School Closures Due to Bedbug Influx
Due to bedbug infestations, France closed seven schools to stop the further spreading of the insects.
“Bedbugs were detected at various levels in … I believe 17 institutions, and currently as I speak to you, seven institutions are closed for this reason,” said France’s Education Minister, Gabriel Attal.
He added they have nearly 60,000 institutions and we’re only discussing about a few dozen while the cases are increasing. They need to act quickly to treat the institutions in two days.
After its closure for several days, Amiens’ municipal library will reopen on Saturday after it has been cleared of bedbug infestation.
What are Bedbug Infestations?
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small reddish-brown insects that feed on human and animal blood. With no wings to speak of and their flat, oval-shaped bodies allowing them to hide in cracks and crevices within beds or furniture. They also tend to be most active at night when their hosts sleep.
Bedbug infestations can be an unpleasant, disruptive nuisance in homes, hotels, and other spaces where people sleep or spend extended time. Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to control because of their ability to hide in crevices for months without feeding on blood.
Their bites cause itchy red welts on the skin that cause discomfort and anxiety. Although not known to transmit diseases directly, their presence causes distress for those affected by them.
