The French capital, Paris, is witnessing an unprecedented wave of "bed bugs" spreading in public places, particularly in the metro, trains, and cinemas. Many French people have shared videos on social media documenting the spread of this pest. The emergence of bed bugs has sparked a fierce debate in France after the Paris Municipality called for action against these insects ahead of the Olympic Games hosted by the city starting in July 2024.
In this regard, the French government is scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss ways to combat "bed bugs" this week after the Paris Municipality urged to "take further action" against this pest, which has notably spread in public transport. The government has announced that it will meet with transportation service providers to implement better "protection" measures for users less than a year before Paris hosts the Olympic Games.
In a related context, Moroccan authorities have taken strict health measures and activated a "health and environmental alert system" following the discovery of bed bugs on a passenger ship coming from France. The Moroccan authorities at the Port of Tangier immediately enacted a strict health protocol that included comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the ship and its cargo upon arrival from the French port of Marseille, according to the Moroccan newspaper "Hespress." According to the newspaper, these measures come "in the context of the careful monitoring enforced by port authorities to prevent the introduction of this harmful and rapidly spreading pest, which is currently experiencing a significant outbreak in several major cities in France, especially in transportation and public places."
