Proof that starving a fever works
STARVING a fever, the cure recommended in old wives’ tale, is now backed by science.
Boffins believe that food can accelerate the spread of infections.
They found well-fed water fleas were more contagious than those given less to eat.
The Edinburgh University study, published in the journal Biology Letters, found that some of the well-fed fleas also lived longer, giving them more time to multiply and spread infection.
Nutrition may also play an important role in the spread of disease.
The findings may lead to new ways to monitor the spread of infections in large populations.
Dr Pedro Vale, of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences, who led the study, said: “If we have an idea of which individuals transmit a lot of disease, we will be better able to stop its spread.
“We know that contact between individuals is important; but now we know that, for some animals at least, nutrition may also play an important role in the spread of disease.”