Paris, Saint-Brieuc, Rennes, Nantes, Le Havre… Since Monday March 6, garbage collectors are on strike in many cities in France, in opposition to the pension reform. This mobilization should last, at least, until March 20. Beyond the discomfort, the accumulation of garbage cans might have real health consequences.
The proliferation of rats might spread diseases?
The accumulation of waste promotes the proliferation of rats, which can lead to a health risk. Indeed, these rodents can carry with them a multitude of pests and spread diseases. A recent study, published on March 9 in the journal mBio of the American Society for Microbiology, demonstrated that Covid-19 and its Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants might cause infection in rats.
This research conducted on New York rats points the finger the fact that rodents can contract and retransmit the virus. Researchers now want to know”whether the virus is circulating in animals and evolving into new strains that might pose a risk to humans“. This study is therefore a reminder that rodents, close to humans, can be carriers of many diseases.
Leptospirosis: a major risk of contamination of rats
Beyond the coronavirus, the most feared disorder coming from these animals is leptospirosis. It’s regarding a disease caused by bacteria in animal urine, mainly those of rodents. “It is a disease that can be fatal. Of the 700 cases observed each year in France, nearly 10% lead to death“, warns Romain Lasseur to the media 20 Minutes.
“Transmission can be direct by simple contact with infected animals or by bite (including rat bite), but in most cases transmission is indirect during activities swimming in fresh water, fishing, or boating, kayaking, rafting or canyoning”, explains the Ministry of Health on its site.
Moreover, leptospirosis can survive for several months, thus increasing the risk of contamination. Before the garbage crisis, this disease was already spreading more and more. Of 300 contaminations par anwe went to 600 in 2014“i.e. an incidence of approximately 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants per year“, according to the Ministry of Health.
Other diseases like salmonellosis, worms or ringworm can also be transmitted by rats.
“The accumulation of rubbish can make the air and water polluted”
Beyond bacteria-carrying rats, trash cans themselves can pollute our environment, and ultimately, our health. Romain Lasseur explains: “We must not minimize the microbiological risks, the very odor that emanates from it reflects the colonization of garbage cans by bacteria.“Thus, the accumulation of waste can pollute our air, but also our waters.
Health risks: actions to adopt
Despite the possible risks, health authorities want to reassure. The cases cited are indeed extreme and the current situation does not currently present any dangers. However, she remains under surveillance: “If the previous experiences did not appear to cause an epidemic or imminent danger to public health, it remains necessary, as for any exceptional situation, strengthen health surveillance“, specified the Regional Health Agency (ARS) to 20 Minutes. Thus, the health organization remains on the lookout for any “any unusual increase in pathologies possibly related to the situation”.
The ARS calls on citizens to remain cautious and to make an effort to “temporarily reduce their waste production”. The health agency also shares some “common sense rules”:
- a “increased caution when traveling on public roadsthe first risk identified being that of falls”
- “reinforced hand washing”
- “supervision of children in outdoor areas“
