A mosquito control operation is planned in the Marengo district of Toulouse, following a suspected case of dengue, zika or chikungunya. Insecticide spraying will take place during the night of June 4-5.
With summer approaching, the fight against mosquitoes picks up again. A mosquito control operation will take place in the Marengo districtnear the Terre Cabade cemetery, during the night of June 4 to 5, between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., reports the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS).
A suspicious case triggers a mosquito control operation in Toulouse
This operation, organized on the instructions of the ARS, will consist of spraying insecticide from a 4×4 vehicle, with additional interventions if necessary. The treatment used must alloweradicate the Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the “tiger mosquito”, suspected of transmitting dengue, chikungunya and Zika. A suspected case was discovered in the area targeted by the operation.
“This exceptional preventive treatment is essential for your protection, in order to avoid the establishment of a local chain of transmission of these diseases,” indicates ARS Occitanie in an announcement posted in several places in the district.
Precautions before, during, and after this operation
The products used, based on pyrethroid or natural pyrethrins in certain cases, are the same as those found in household repellents. Although the procedure is considered to be without any particular danger, precautions are recommended to minimize any discomfort or irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
To avoid any inconvenience during and after this mosquito control operation in the Marengo district of Toulouse, residents are invited to:
- close the windows overlooking the public highway when the vehicle passes and keep them closed for one hour afterwards;
- avoid direct exposure to the spray cloud;
- bring in laundry, children’s toys and food from outside before treatment;
- keep pets away or inside and protect their bowls;
- wait three days after treatment to eat, after washing, vegetables and fruits from the garden.
In case of unusual symptoms following spraying, it is advisable to contact a doctor or the toxicovigilance center on 05 61 77 74 47.
