Did you know you're probably already infected with a brain-eating virus?
Good morning from the Forest City — yes, the other London. The one that actually matters to us. Let's get into it. So, I'm sitting here, having my coffee, scrolling through the wires, and this headline pops up that just about made me drop my mug right onto the kitchen floor. You’re likely already infected with a brain-eating virus you’ve never heard of. Now, if that doesn't get your attention faster than a police siren on Richmond Row at 2 AM, I don't know what will.
### The Brain Eater Among Us
Turns out, we're talking about *Toxoplasma gondii*, a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. For years, folks figured the really nasty, fatal brain infections from this thing were only a problem if your immune system was already shot, you know? Like, profoundly suppressed. But new research is suggesting that's not the whole story. This isn't some rare, exotic bug you pick up spelunking in a cave far from the Forks of the Thames. This is apparently *everywhere*.
Here’s the wild bit:
* *Toxoplasma* is one of the most common parasites in the world. * Estimates suggest billions of people are infected. * It's often asymptomatic, meaning you don't even know you have it. * But it can cause serious neurological damage in some cases, and it’s been linked to changes in behaviour and even mental health issues.
Honestly, it makes you wonder about some of the decisions we've seen out of City Hall over the years, doesn't it? Maybe it wasn't just BRT fatigue, maybe there was some *Toxoplasma* influencing those long, drawn-out council meetings. Look, I’ve been covering this city for a decade, and I've seen some head-scratching stuff, but a universally present brain-eating parasite? That’s a whole new level of "what is even happening here?" It's like finding out the squirrels in Springbank Park aren't just hoarding nuts, they're secretly running a global information network. It just flips your perspective entirely.
Brendan Fanshawe-Okafor, MiTL Sports Desk, London.
Keith and the gang definitely talked about this one this morning — find their take live at mornings.live.