Warning over outbreaks at Rugby World Cup as 4 killer bugs found in France

RUGBY lovers have been warned of the threat of disease outbreaks at the World Cup in France.

Cases of dengue fever and tick-borne encephalitis have been spotted in the nation, according to NHS Fit For Travel.

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And people have been warned to stay on high alert because of an outbreak of deadly botulism in Bordeaux, where one person died and eight were hospitalised.

Throngs of fans in and around stadiums also increase the risk of illnesses like Covid and stomach bugs spreading, health officials said.

NHS Fit For Travel said: “Crowds of people around stadiums and public transport increases the risk of infectious diseases which cause respiratory and/or gastrointestinal illnesses spreading.

“Always take care with respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene, and take safe food and water precautions at all times to reduce your risk of illness.”

More than 78,000 fans attended the tournament’s opening game of France vs New Zealand at the Stade de France last Friday, with people jetting in from across the world.

1. Covid

The new Covid Pirola variant, which has caused Britain’s vaccine rollout to be brought forward, is prevalent in France currently.

Cases were first spotted in the east of the country two weeks ago, prompting officials to remind the public of the importance of isolating when infected.

There is currently no evidence to suggest Pirola causes any new symptoms that aren’t already common with other Omicron variants.

According to the ZOE study, these include: 

1. Runny nose
2. Headache
3. Tiredness
4. Sneezing
5. Sore throat

France is currently preparing its own vaccine campaign as scientists seek better understanding of the highly-mutated strain.

2. Botulism

Fans were also warned to stay vigilant because of an outbreak of rare food borne botulism poisoning in one of the country’s main wine regions.

Irish supporters flocked to Bordeaux to watch Ireland make a dream start to the World Cup with a record win vs Romania.

It is linked to one specific restaurant and believed to have come from tinned sardines made by the owner who served them in the popular wine bar.

Signs to watch out for include blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, as well as diarrhoea and vomiting.

3. Encephalitis

Meanwhile, tick-borne encephalitis has been spotted 71 times from 2021 to this year, public health authorities in France said.

No deaths have been recorded, but one patient was admitted to hospital.

The deadly disease causes the brain to swell and is spread by ticks, which hide in long grass.

Symptoms include a high temperature, tiredness, a headache, aches and pains and feeling sick. 

NHS Fit For Travel said: “Always practise appropriate insect and tick bite avoidance both day and night to protect yourself – recommendations may vary in different parts of France, which is a large country.

“Be aware how to treat insect bites and how to remove ticks.”

4. Dengue

Dengue fever was also spotted twice in the south of France near Marseille in August.

The infection is spread by mosquitos and can cause a severe flu-like illness, with no treatment available.

Symptoms include a high temperature, a severe headache, pain behind your eyes, muscle and joint pain, feeling or being sick, swollen glands and a blotchy rash.