The French government is taking the surge in reported bedbug cases seriously, recognizing it as a potential public health problem. In recent weeks, bedbugs have become a contentious issue in France, with citizens reporting sightings in various locations such as trains, the Paris metro, and cinemas. This concern is particularly significant as France is currently hosting the Rugby World Cup and preparing for the 2024 Olympics.
To address the situation, emergency meetings will be held this week. Transport Minister Clement Beaune will host a meeting on Wednesday with transport and passenger organizations to assess the situation and strengthen measures. The aim is to reassure and protect travelers. An inter-ministerial meeting will follow on Friday, where government officials will discuss the issue and provide answers to the public.
The French National Assembly’s head of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party, Sylvain Maillard, has announced plans to present a cross-party bill in December to combat the “scourge” of bedbugs. The government emphasizes that there is no need for general panic, but rather a focus on preventing people from being exploited by pest control companies charging exorbitant prices to eliminate bedbugs.
Bedbugs have made a resurgence in recent decades due to high population densities and mass transit. It is estimated that one-tenth of all French households have had a bedbug problem in the past few years, often requiring costly and repeated pest control operations. While individual cases of bedbugs have been reported in the Paris metro, high-speed trains, and the Charles De Gaulle Airport, these cases have not been officially confirmed by the authorities.
Addressing the issue, Renaissance MP Bruno Studer emphasizes the need to accurately count the number of bedbugs and determine if there has been an increase compared to previous years. Additionally, there is a push to recognize bedbug infestations as a question of public health. Some politicians, like Mathilde Panot from the hard-left France Unbowed party, criticize the government for not taking enough action and call for a national prevention plan, emergency fund, and the creation of public disinfestation services.
Bedbugs, named for their preference to nest in mattresses, can also hide in clothes and luggage. They come out at night to feed on human blood, leaving behind red spots, blisters, or rashes on the skin. Their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress, leading to sleeping issues, anxiety, and depression.
The French government’s proactive approach in addressing the surge in reported bedbug cases demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding public health. By hosting emergency meetings and planning legislative action, they aim to protect travelers and ensure the appropriate measures are in place to combat this growing concern.
