Ep 1. Pilot: Sleeper Cells

Monsters Inside Me is a medical documentary series that explores the world of parasites and the havoc they can wreak on the human body. In season 1, episode 1, titled "Pilot: Sleeper Cells," viewers are introduced to three different cases of individuals who are unknowingly harboring dangerous parasites.

The first case involves a young boy named Taylor who is suffering from a mysterious illness that causes him to have seizures and lose control of his limbs. His mother takes him to multiple doctors, but they are unable to diagnose his condition. It isn't until they visit an infectious disease specialist that they discover Taylor is infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba. The specialist explains the danger of the parasite and the difficulty of treating it. With no known cure, Taylor's family is left to watch and wait as they hope that their son can fight off the infection.

The second case focuses on a woman named Julie who travels to Uganda and contracts a mysterious illness while on a safari. After returning home, she begins experiencing debilitating pain in her abdomen and doctors initially suspect she has ovarian cancer. It isn't until they perform surgery that they discover she is infected with a parasite called schistosomiasis, which she likely contracted from contaminated freshwater in Uganda. The parasite has caused severe damage to her organs, and she is faced with a long recovery process.

The final case is that of a man named Mike who begins experiencing flu-like symptoms after a camping trip. As his symptoms worsen, he is diagnosed with Lyme disease, a common tick-borne illness. However, after multiple treatments, Mike's condition continues to deteriorate, and he becomes bedridden. Finally, a specialist discovers that Mike is also infected with a rare and dangerous parasite called Babesia, which is transmitted by the same ticks that carry Lyme disease. With both infections attacking his body, Mike's recovery is an uphill battle.

Throughout the episode, medical experts explain the dangers of these parasites and how they can be contracted. Viewers are also given a glimpse into the medical procedures used to diagnose and treat these illnesses. The show serves as a reminder to always take necessary precautions when traveling or spending time outdoors, as even the smallest parasite can cause significant harm to the human body.