I'm a Celeb: The health of the contestants is at risk, here's why

Fear may grip some of these celebrities who have lived in pest-free mansions back home. Multiple reports indicate an impending influx of mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rats in Australia, where I'm A Celeb is currently taking place.

Ecological experts have predicted a massive increase in cockroaches, while one warns that mosquitos are the main concern for summer Down Under, which begins in December and ends in February, around the same time the celebrities compete for the jungle crown.

The Mirror reports that the country is currently experiencing its third consecutive La Niña event, which typically increases the likelihood of above-average rainfall in northern and eastern Australia during spring and summer.

Since bugs easily increase in moist environments, this is an ideal time for them to reproduce and multiply. It is an ideal environment for growth, especially in the jungle.

Ecological report

According to The Mirror, one headline Down Under this week described an 'explosion' of cockroaches as well as the rise in amount of rats and spiders on the Gold Coast where the celebs are camping.

The report quoted Professor Dieter Hochuli, who leads the Integrative Ecology Group at the University of Sydney as saying,

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.

Health risk

This is unfortunate news for celebrities because they are susceptible to a variety of infections. These pests pose a significant health risk, because cockroaches and mosquitoes have been linked to the spread of bacteria and other infections. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in a statement published by PestWorld.org said,

Disease-spreading pests such as ticks, mosquitoes and cockroaches love water, and mother nature sure dumped her fair share across much of the country this spring,

Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the NPMA said,

It’s imperative that pest prevention remain top-of-mind. With the CDC recently increasing their annual Lyme disease estimate to 476,000 new cases in the U.S. each year, knowledge about the conditions that are favorable to ticks and other vector pests can help greatly reduce exposure.

According to the report,

Vector pests pose a significant threat to public health. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks are also capable of spreading anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Mosquitoes are known vectors of West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and cockroaches have also been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria and six parasitic worms to humans, making awareness a key component of personal protection.

It can be recalled that in 2019, the show came under heavy criticism following the crushing of cockroaches during the show’s bush tucker trial. The ITVshow was immensely condemned by fans after comedian Andrew Maxwell was left with remnants of the bugs stuck to his hands, neck and face.

As reported by the Mail Online, charities labelled the show's apparent exploitation of animals as 'tired, tacky and moronic'. The associations claimed there would be 'mass public outcry and disgust' were the harmed animals cute or domesticated.

What will these celebrities' reactions be after all of the previous criticisms and the imminent health threat? Will they continue to crush the pests that are interfering with their lives, or will they choose to risk their health in the presence of the pests?

Sources used:

The Mirror: I'm a Celebrity campmates to face cockroach and mosquito infestation amid storm chaos

Mail Online: 'The big one is mosquitos!' I'm a Celebrity campmates set to face a 'cockroach and spider infestation' while rat numbers have also increased in Australia amid storm chaos

PestWorld.org: Soggy Spring and Mild Summer Create Perfect Conditions for Pests to Thrive