TF1 did not report that Paris is in ‘panic’ over dengue cases

An alleged video news article attributed to French television TF1 is circulating on social media, citing a “panic” over rising dengue cases in Paris months before the Olympics, which begin on July 26. The video is fake and a montage, as both the store chain and the health authorities confirmed to Newtral.es.

• “Residents of Paris are trying to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes (…) Citizens are in a panic deteriorating Paris, and the authorities are imposing fines on those who install mosquito nets,” read several messages accompanying the above-mentioned video. (12).

They pretend to be TF1. Although the images have the TF1 corporate logo in the top right corner, French television clarifies to Newtral.es that the video is false and that it was not broadcast on any of its channels or social media platforms.

Dengue Fever Alert. It is true that on April 23, 2024, the French Ministry of Health issued a warning about dengue cases, which states the following: “Health authorities ask for vigilance as tiger mosquito activity approaches. Since 1 January 2024, more than 1,679 cases of dengue fever have been imported into mainland France, compared to 131 cases during the same period in 2023.”

However, the fake video exaggerates the situation and broadcasts images of French Health Director Gregory Emery with subtitles suggesting he would call dengue cases an “unprecedented” panorama. Newtral.es contacted Emery, who confirmed that the statements attributed to him are “false.”

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If one searches the information published in the TF1 domain regarding dengue, one will find that there are no references indicating a supposed “panic” or “unprecedented” situation due to dengue cases. There is also no indication that Parisians who install mosquito nets are being fined.