I’m A Celebrity’s return to Australia in chaos as highly infectious disease Q Fever rages near camp

I’M A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’s return to Australia has been rocked as a highly infectious disease called Q Fever rages through the country.

Alerts have been issued across south-east Queensland, where ITV will return in a matter of weeks to film the hit show after a two year hiatus during the pandemic. 

Q Fever is so deadly, it can be spread by inhaling contaminated dust and can have serious consequences for those infected, including organ damage. 

A source said: “I’m A Celebrity’s return to Oz was so important to ITV and was something fans of the show were hugely excited for. Another infectious disease is really the last thing ITV needs.”

ITV said they would ensure production met all UK and Australian guidelines ready for Ant and Dec's flagship show.

Caused by a dangerous bacteria called Coxiella burnetii, Q Fever or Query Fever is said to be most commonly transmitted to humans who work with animals.

The rise in cases across the region is thought to be down to the increase in wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies moving closer to residential areas. 

Infected animals can share the disease through their faeces, urine, milk and general bodily fluids. 

The bacteria can survive for long periods in dust and soil as it is resistant to heat, drying and many commonly used disinfectants.

Symptoms in humans range from a flu-like fever through to significant weight loss, chronic fatigue for as long as 12 months, and damage to organs. 

The disease epicentre is an area called Wide Bay, which is some 150 miles from Brisbane airport, where the I’m A Celebrity cast and crew fly into. 

But authorities have issued an alert for the people of south-east Queensland - which covers the ITV base in Coolangatta and the campsite itself, Dungay Creek - urging them to take up offers of a vaccine. 

During the pandemic, ITV filmed I’m A Celebrity in medieval Gwrych Castle in Wales. 

But fans made it clear that they were desperate to see the celebs back among the creepy crawlies of Oz. 

An ITV spokesman said: “The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! production will adhere to all necessary UK and Australian government guidelines."

The series has been brought forward this year to allow room in the schedules for the World Cup in November, with it expected to begin in November.