An expert has raised an urgent warning about the presence of a potentially dangerous mosquito species at this summer’s Paris Olympic Games, suggesting it could bring a virus to the UK.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Bite prevention specialist Howard Carter has urged travellers to stay vigilant amid concerns the event could become a “super-spreader” for dengue fever.
Mr. Carter cautioned that visitors to France for the games may be at risk of exposure to mosquitoes carrying dengue fever. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has confirmed the presence of the invasive tiger mosquito in 13 EU countries, which has been linked to a rise in dengue fever cases in Europe, a disease typically found in tropical regions.
Authorities have found tiger mosquitoes as far north as Paris and are actively monitoring and trapping the insects. Since 2016, these mosquitoes have also been detected in the UK, raising alarms with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
“The Paris Olympics could become a ‘super-spreader event’,” Mr. Carter stated. “Dengue fever is on our doorstep, and European cases have dramatically increased. Asian tiger mosquitoes capable of carrying the deadly virus are currently in the UK.”
He emphasized the importance of precautions, advising UK travellers to ensure they use insect repellent. “This summer, more than ever, UK travellers should take insect repellent with them,” Mr. Carter added.
The mosquito infestation has not gone unnoticed by athletes, with Team GB Sevens stars Ellie Kildunne and Abi Burton taking to Instagram to declare war on the bugs.
The men’s competition takes place on July 24, 25 and 27 with the women’s tournament following on July 28-30.
The men’s Final on July 27 will be the first team sport gold medal of the Games in Paris.
“No-sex beds” myth debunked
Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan was the first to debunk the myth at the last Olympics that the cardboard beds were introduced to “avoid intimacy among athletes.” In Paris, the pommel horse specialist performed rigorous acrobatics on the bed without causing any damage, proclaiming that the anti-sex bed idea is “FAKE NEWS!”
Similarly, Australian tennis players Daria Saville and Ellen Perez took to social media to demonstrate eight different ways of testing the beds’ durability.
Five England women stars you need to follow on Instagram
Let’s spotlight five standout Red Roses players worth following on Instagram. From motivating moms to fitness enthusiasts, these stars are sure to inspire.
#1. HOLLY AITCHISON
Given Holly’s familial background with her father Ian being a former England U20 and Saxons player as well as Waterloo’s director of rugby, it made perfect sense for her to pursue rugby.
Aitchison herself boasts an impressive resume, having represented England in various capacities, including age-grade levels, the HSBC World Sevens Series, and even at the Olympic Games for Team GB.
Joining Saracens in 2020 marked the beginning of her remarkable journey, highlighted by scoring a try during her England 15s debut in 2021. This momentum carried her to the starting lineup for the 2021 Rugby World Cup final and secured her a spot in Simon Middleton’s Six Nations squad in 2023.
Demonstrating her prowess, she played a pivotal role in the Red Roses’ victorious campaign at the inaugural WXV1 tournament in New Zealand. Now, Holly’s achievements continue to flourish as she recently earned a place in John Mitchell’s squad for the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.