On Friday, June 27, Christian Estrosi presented the plan to combat the tiger mosquito. A crucial step in protecting the population of Nice against this mosquito, which is a vector of serious diseases.
The fight against the tiger mosquito is a major issue for public health and the quality of life of the residents of Nice. These mosquitoes are vectors of diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, or zika. With the ability to nest in stagnant water and green spaces, the city of Nice has made this fight a battle. The objectives now go beyond prevention. A multitude of concrete actions have been implemented to fight against the tiger mosquito and the diseases it transmits. And although the Alpes-Maritimes have so far been spared, having recorded zero cases of chikungunya, it is better to prevent than to cure.
A fight on all levels
The first layer of this fight is the population of Nice. First of all, do not hesitate to “‘use your two hands and kill the mosquito,’” as Dr. Christelle Pomares from the CHU of Nice reminds us before getting into the details: “To reduce this vector risk, we are all involved: remove anything that could serve as a breeding ground for the mosquito. We all have a responsibility.”
Romain Alexandre, departmental director of the Alpes-Maritimes ARS PACA, also emphasizes this necessity. “We need to raise awareness, mobilize health personnel. Learn the right actions. The fight involves everyone, at all levels.” The regional health agency is additionally committed alongside the city of Nice in this fight against the tiger mosquito and its diseases. Furthermore, there is an international commitment with Monaco and Italy to pool surveillance systems.
The fight against the tiger mosquito is truly a network effort, in addition to the individual work of the population. Not to mention the essential part of research. Firefighters will also be fully mobilized in the fight, as they are every year. For citizens, a reporting form will be made available to gather notifications. “It is a plan that mobilizes many citizens and institutions,” emphasized Christian Estrosi.
The measures implemented
To support this strong mobilization, a map of key locations has been established in Nice. These are the spaces where action must take precedence, to eradicate mosquitoes. The neighborhood of Cimiez, the port, the castle hill, and Mont Boron are at the top of the list and are considered priorities in the fight. It should be noted that other mappings are carried out, notably one concerning mosquito breeding sites, updated every fortnight.
Numerous traps have also been installed by the company Rentokil, in the city and in key sectors. Sixty oviposition traps have been set up. These attract tiger mosquitoes searching for a breeding area. Four more sophisticated traps, capable of attracting female mosquitoes by releasing CO2, have also been placed in priority areas, such as in the gardens of the Arènes de Cimiez.
Christian Estrosi is determined about this tiger mosquito issue and sets the objectives. In the coming years, there will be a “possibility of expanding the system and other systems will be studied, with an adaptation of urban planning.” This fight comes with a significant cost but is, above all, a collective effort that requires everyone’s involvement.
