Rugby fans have opened up on their ordeal with bedbugs at the World Cup in France. Some supporters revealed “huge bumps” have started appearing on their arms as the infestation continues in Paris.
The French capital has been plagued by the bedbugs issue for some time, with it becoming an even bigger issue as fans flock from all over the world to watch the Rugby tournament.
Irish fan Dorcas Carmelle has talked about coming out in “massive bumps” while her friend felt something crawl on her. She revealed that she was unaware of the bedbug issue before travelling.
“We didn’t even know about the bedbug outbreak. When I first arrived – I landed on Wednesday – I flew to Beauvais and I stayed at a hotel there,” Carmelle told the Irish Independent.
“The following morning, I was kind of fine. I went to Paris and I started feeling itchy, but I didn’t think much of it. I thought maybe it was just a change of temperature.
“Then a few days later, I started seeing massive bumps on my arms. They had all gone red. My best friend also said, ‘it feels as if something is on me’. But we don’t know what that was.”
Another fan, who was unnamed, had their hotel reservation cancelled at the last minute due to an infestation. However, a last-minute search for an alternative led to them paying an extra £173.
“I booked an Airbnb a year ago and actually paid the second instalment at the weekend so I presumed everything was fine,”
“Then, late on Monday night, I got a message saying that the place had a bedbug infestation and they wouldn’t be able to clear it before the match. The only option offered was to cancel and get a refund.
“Obviously I went straight on all the booking websites looking for somewhere and luckily I have found a place. But the original accommodation was €400 (£346), now I’m having to pay more than €600 (£519) in a different part of the city.”
Videos on social media have shown gruesome images of bedbugs crawling over seats on the Metro. The 5mm-long creatures are wreaking havoc, with France hosting the Olympics in less than 12 months’ time.
Speaking to French TV station LCI, the deputy mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire admitted the problem was “widespread”.
He added: “You have to understand that in reality no-one is safe. Obviously, there are risk factors but, in reality, you can catch bedbugs anywhere and bring them home.”
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