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LOVE BUG

Love Island contestants risk being savaged by ‘flesh-eating bugs invading the Spanish villa’

The reality telly wannabes will be heading to Mallorca, which has an 'under-reported' issue with leishmaniasis - a nasty skin infection which leaves suffering like they’ve suffered a gunshot wound.

LOVE Island contestants will run the risk of being savaged by "flesh-eating bugs" during their stay in the villa - experts have warned.

The reality telly wannabes will be heading to Mallorca, which has an "under-reported" issue with leishmaniasis - a nasty skin infection which leaves suffering like they’ve suffered a gunshot wound.

 This year's Love Island contestants could be eaten by bugs! (pictured, last year's female contestants)
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This year's Love Island contestants could be eaten by bugs! (pictured, last year's female contestants)Credit: ITV

The disease, which is fatal if not treated, is spread through the bites of infected sand flies.

And because the contestants will be spending hours outside in their swimwear, they could be particularly susceptible.

Shamir Patel of Chemist-4-U explained: “Leishmaniasis is a pretty nasty infection, and it’s also one that’s becoming more and more endemic in Europe.

“It’s caused by a parasite which attacks the flesh, causing ulcers and fever, and which can also damage internal organs, too.

 Because all the contestants spend most of their time not wearing clothes, they could be at risk
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Because all the contestants spend most of their time not wearing clothes, they could be at riskCredit: ITV

“Although it might ruin the fun of Love Island, I’d advise the reality show hopefuls to cover their skin when they can, particularly if they see sandflies hovering around.

“They should also cover themselves in insect repellent - not expensive aftershave or perfume - in a bid to keep the blood suckers at bay!”

A recent study into Leishmaniasis on Mallorca was conducted by researchers at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Barcelona.

The paper, published in 2015, described how certain locations were more at risk than others when it comes to sandfly bites.

 Sunbathing could prove fatal to this year's batch of reality TV wannabes
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Sunbathing could prove fatal to this year's batch of reality TV wannabesCredit: ITV

Lead author Montserrat Gállego wrote: “This was a study of the distribution of Phlebotomus perniciosus, the species principally responsible for the transmission of leishmaniasis caused by the Leishmania infantum parasite in the Mediterranean region.

“The study has detected the presence of P. perniciosus throughout the island, with a higher probability at altitudes ranging from 51 to 150 metres above sea level, with adjacent garrigue shrub vegetation, at the edge of or between settlements, and in proximity to sheep farms.”

Worryingly, the Love Island Villa sits in an elevated position three miles to the north west of the town Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, in the east of Mallorca.

Of the 1,882 sand flies caught using sticky traps in the study, almost two thirds - 69% - were varieties capable of carrying Leishmaniasis.

 This year's batch of contestants might want to cover up
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This year's batch of contestants might want to cover upCredit: ITV

It's been reported that this year's islanders will earn £250 a week when they're on the show, but if they go all the way they'll walk away with a £50,000 jackpot.

According to the Daily Star, to “compensate” for giving up time to be on the show, ITV bosses have agreed to pay the islanders £250 a week.

But since TV chiefs keep sending in new islanders to spice things up, the majority only last a matter of days and only get £250.

If they are among the originals and last the full eight weeks, they will bag £2,000.

Some believe it is not enough.

One source said: “Everyone now knows that stepping into that villa brings good and bad things.

“They risk coming out and being trolled on Twitter, their dreams of being a big reality star dashed, work dries up and ending up feeling depressed and having issues.”

The show returns on June 3rd.

Love Island's most shocking moments

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