Paris 2024 Olympics: covid, ticks, STIs, mosquitoes… how to protect yourself from infections and diseases during the Games ?

JO Paris 2024, pour un risque infectieux sous contrôle

You will attend the Paris Olympic or Paralympic Games ? To best prevent the risk of infection inherent in gatherings of such magnitude, bringing together nationals from all over the world, the French and European health authorities have formulated certain recommendations intended for spectators.

From 26 July to 11 August, approximately 10,500 athletes will represent 206 nations. The Games are expected to attract 15 million visitors, including 2 million from abroad. Then, between 28 August and 8 September, at the Paralympic Games, 3.4 million people will attend the events that will bring together more than 4,000 athletes. WHO/Europe, the French Ministry of Health and Prevention, Santé publique France and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have just developed recommendations for spectators.

Before attending the event… check your vaccination status

Before you travel, check your vaccination status and consult your doctor to determine which vaccines are needed according to your country's national vaccination schedule. You may need vaccines for measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, COVID-19, or other diseases.

In France in particular, since the first quarter of 2024, the number of cases of whooping cough has increased sharply, the High Authority for Health (HAS) revealed a few days ago. Be careful, cases of measles are also increasing, worldwide, including in France. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated or has not had measles is at risk. Make sure you are protected and protect others: check your vaccination status against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and that of your family. Vaccination is still possible at least two weeks before your arrival in Paris.

In addition, the 2024 Olympic Games will also increase the risk of spreading meningococcus. The resurgence of cases in France, with already more than 180 in 2024, makes the situation worrying, recalled Public Health France in mid-July.

In Paris, during the 2024 Olympic Games

Attending a large event increases the risk of exposure to respiratory diseases such as whooping cough and COVID-19. If you have symptoms such as cough, fever or sore throat, stay home or in a hotel and wear a mask when outdoors. Respiratory infections are common and can be serious, especially for at-risk groups such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases and pregnant women. In addition to vaccination, several protective measures can reduce the risk of infection, such as avoiding close contact with sick people, washing or disinfecting your hands frequently and touching your eyes, nose or mouth as little as possible.

In case of flu-like symptoms, follow barrier gestures if you cough (physical distancing, coughing into your elbow, etc.), wash or disinfect your hands often, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and objects. It is also advisable to increase ventilation (open windows), limit contact, and wear a mask in crowded environments. This is to protect vulnerable people and help limit the transmission of infections.

Beware of mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases include dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus infection. The circulation of these diseases is increasing, partly due to globalization, international travel, and climate change. Tiger mosquitoes, which carry various diseases, including dengue fever, are widespread in France and are very active during the day. According to figures from Santé publique France, between January 1, 2024 and July 2, 2024, 2,885 cases of dengue fever were imported into France.

How to protect yourself ? Wear light, breathable and covering clothing, use mosquito repellents, with repellents applied to children only by an adult. Apply sunscreen first, then repellent, at different times. To sleep, choose an air-conditioned room or use fans. If you develop a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or a rash during or after the Games, consult a doctor, mentioning your travel history.

We are not safe from ticks, even in Paris!

Ticks are not only found in forests; they can also be found in cities, in city parks, gardens and yards. They are most active from April to September, when the Olympic Games are in full swing. To protect yourself, apply certified repellents to your skin. Wear light, breathable clothing, tucking your pant legs into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling in. Regularly inspect your clothing and skin, also checking the scalp, armpits and inguinal area (around the groin).

To keep STIs out of the party

Stay vigilant about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The mixing of populations, the holidays and the euphoria of the party create a favorable context. Protect yourself during sexual intercourse against STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Other infections, such as HIV, viral hepatitis and monkeypox, can also be transmitted sexually.

Condoms effectively reduce the risk of STI and HIV transmission. Although they do not guarantee complete protection against monkeypox, they can reduce the risk. After unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, it is essential to get tested for STIs, even if you have no symptoms. To get treatment and to avoid transmitting a potential infection to your sexual partners.

For more information: Traveling to the Olympics or Paralympics in Paris? New advice for spectators puts health centre-stage

More information on recommended vaccines in France: here.

Which vaccination against COVID-19: here.

Vaccines and the vaccination schedule in the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA): here.