They were believed to be “fashion passed” and yet: the stinging assaults in the crowds returned this weekend on the occasion of the Fête de la Musique. An appeal had been broadcast a few days earlier on social networks. The goal? Prick mainly young women using a syringe (or something approaching it) in a crowd movement. In 2022, a similar movement had raged in nightclubs and festivals, causing a certain fear of assault at the GHB.
145 reports in a single night
Thus in the early morning of June 22, after the music festival, more than a hundred cases of bites were identified throughout the territory. 145 Precisely. The Paris police prefecture noted 21 cases in its area in Ile-de-France, including 13 in Paris. “Some victims have been taken care of in hospitals in order to undergo toxicological analyzes”, added the Ministry of the Interior.
Twelve people, suspected of being the actors of bites, were arrested, still according to the ministry. In Angoulême, for example, four people were arrested. They would have made around fifty victims, according to a police source.
“Autoplay =” no “)
Viral concern … but often unfounded
If no victim today seems to have run a risk, the fear of being stung and potentially exposed to serious viruses or toxic substances is very real. This anxiety, relayed on social networks, feeds a climate of suspicion, sometimes to psychosis. But what does medicine say?
According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, the infectious risk exists in theory, but remains extremely weak in reality. “” “A contaminated needle could transmit certain viruses such as hepatitis B, and to a lesser extent hepatitis C or HIV ”, he said. But these cases imply very specific conditions: a recently used needle, containing a significant amount of blood, and prolonged contact with blood circulation. “”For HIV, the risk is almost zero in this context “, he insists.
No syringes … but handicrafts
Another essential point: the “bites” reported are rarely made with real syringes ensures the emergency room. “”These are often compass, sewing needles or tinkered sharp objects “notes Dr. Kierzek. Tools that can hurt, of course, but do not allow an effective injection or real viral transmission.
However, some victims report discomfort or loss of knowledge after being stung. This feeds the thesis of an injection of substances (drugs, drugs). Theoretically possible, this remains extremely rare, “Because injecting an active substance requires precision, sufficient volume and hygiene conditions … Conditions that are difficult to meet in a jostling or a concert hall ” reassures the expert.
What to do if we think we have been bitten?
The fact remains that an assault by a “pricker” can raise more than one legitimate question. In this case, what if you find yourself among the victims this summer:
The protocol is clear:
- In the event of a visible wound : wash immediately with water and soap, disinfect, do not bleed, photograph the injury if possible.
- Quickly consult in the emergency roomespecially in the hours that follow. Bring the suspect object if recovered.
- A declaration to the police is recommended if you want to file a complaint.
Side medical follow -up:
- No systematic antiviral tritherapyexcept specific indication;
- Serologies recommended at time T and 3 months ;
- Hepatitis B vaccination If it is not up to date.
And in the absence of injury, symptom or trace, no approach is recommended, so as not to maintain an concern without medical foundation.
“If it is legitimate to question and remain vigilant, the phenomenon of bites in crowds often is more of collective fear than a real health danger, according to the data available. The psychological impact, on the other hand, is very real – and deserves to be heard” concludes our expert.