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10 Sep 2013 09:38

Newcastle was hit by a killer virus yesterday and scientists gathered in the city to discuss how to control it

Mammoth DNA workshop at the Life Science Village

Newcastle was hit by a killer virus yesterday and scientists gathered in the city to discuss how to control it.

However, before you start stocking up on canned food or heading for the hills, you can be reassured it was just a stunt which was the focal point of a fascinating event in Newcastle.

The British Science Festival is being staged in the city until Thursday and yesterday saw the childrens programme of events get under way.

The much-anticipated Epifection social experiment explored how the city would cope with the outbreak of a new disease.

Scientists gathered at Newcastle University for the event and attended a series of workshops where they asked participants what they would do if an infection took hold in the area.

They debated how policy-makers, scientists and health authorities would cope and how the spread of the disease could be stopped.

Dr Nick Jakubovics, lecturer in oral microbiology, said: Hopefully, the public will gain a better understanding of infectious disease, including outbreaks and control measures. Outbreaks are still very frequent, unfortunately.

Originally posted here:
British Science Festival continues to wow crowds in Newcastle