Dengue virus and the 2024 Paris Olympics

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Global Health Security

Background:

• The 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics present potential risks for dengue virus transmission.
• Despite Paris's generally low mosquito activity, large international gatherings can facilitate disease spread.
• Recent evidence confirms the presence of dengue in Europe, underscoring the global risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the potential risk of dengue virus transmission during the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
• To highlight the importance of preventive public health measures in mitigating infectious disease risks at major international events.
• To emphasize the need for collaboration among health authorities, researchers, and event organizers.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on dengue epidemiology and mosquito-borne disease transmission.
• Analysis of environmental factors and public health infrastructure in Paris relevant to mosquito control.
• Examination of historical data from large-scale events regarding infectious disease amplification.

Main Results:

• While Paris exhibits low baseline mosquito activity, the influx of international travelers poses a potential risk for dengue introduction.
• Effective implementation of preventive measures, including vector control and public awareness campaigns, is critical.
• Past events, such as the Zika virus outbreak during the Rio 2016 Olympics, demonstrate the potential for disease amplification.

Conclusions:

• The risk of dengue transmission during the Paris 2024 Games is considered low but warrants proactive public health surveillance and control measures.
• Even a limited number of cases could have significant global health implications.
• Robust collaboration and preparedness are essential to ensure the safety of athletes, staff, and the public.