I’M A Celebrity stars are set to face an infestation of blood-sucking ticks and leeches in the camp following the wet weather conditions in the Jungle.
The celebrities, who include politician Matt Hancock and Love Island’s Olivia Attwood, will be advised to check their skin regularly to avoid the risk of infection from the bites.
It comes as panicked ITV bosses were forced to close the camp after torrential rain and floods hit the area which has led to an influx of the bugs which feed on human blood.
A show medic explained: “The rain has caused lots of leeches and ticks to fill the Jungle so the celebrities will have to keep checking themselves and each other.”
Ticks are parasites which feed on human and animal blood and inject toxins which can cause irritation while leeches grasp onto the skin and the bite area can become infected.
Meanwhile the campmates are also set to face a hellish mix of cockroaches, mosquitoes and giant spiders after the camp was hit by torrential rain.
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The creepy critters thrive in the wet and humid conditions, adding an extra challenge to life in the Jungle.
Professor Dieter Hochuli, of the Integrative Ecology Group at the University of Sydney, told the Mirror: “The big one that is causing lots of concerns for this upcoming summer is mosquitoes.
“Their biology is driven by available water and higher temperatures means they will be able to reproduce quickly once the weather heats up.
“The public health risks are significant and it will be an important summer for covering up and wearing repellent. This moist environment is really helping insects deal with one of the greatest threats which is drying out.”
Last week work on the set was cancelled, with all crew forced off site by the extreme conditions, just days before the celebrities are due to arrive.
A local source said: “The camp was closed yesterday due to the extreme rain. No staff were allowed on site because it was too dangerous.
“They were told to get out of the area and totally downed tools.
“It meant a precious day of preparation was lost as crew faced a race against time to get the site ready.
“But they were all back on site today, so fingers crossed they can make up the lost time.”
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An ITV spokesman said: “We closed site for 24 hours as a precautionary measure due to the inclement weather.”
The reality show is due to start on November 6 in Australia for the first time since 2019 after a two year hiatus during the pandemic.
