Ep 5. Hijackers

Monsters Inside Me is a documentary series that explores the terrifying and true stories of individuals who have contracted mysterious and life-threatening illnesses from parasites and infections. Each episode takes a deep dive into the medical cases of people who have been preyed upon by tiny creatures living inside their bodies.

Season 1, episode 5 of Monsters Inside Me is titled "Hijackers". The episode follows the stories of two individuals who have been infected with illnesses caused by parasitic organisms that have infiltrated their bodies.

The first story is about Rob, who has been experiencing strange symptoms for weeks, including fatigue, body aches, headaches, and fever. He goes to his doctor, but they cannot seem to figure out what's wrong with him. Finally, a blood test reveals that Rob has contracted a rare form of malaria that is often found in parts of Africa. The doctors are baffled, as Rob has never been to Africa. They eventually discover that the malaria was transmitted to Rob through the bite of a mosquito that had been imported from Africa in a shipment of bamboo plants.

The second story follows Rachel, a young woman who began experiencing severe stomach pains and vomiting after attending a wedding in Mexico. Initially, Rachel assumes that it's just a case of food poisoning, but when her symptoms persist, she goes to the doctor. After numerous tests, the doctors discover that Rachel has contracted a rare parasitic infection called Cyclospora, which is commonly spread through contaminated water in developing countries. Rachel realizes that she must have contracted the parasite while drinking water at the wedding.

Throughout the episode, medical experts weigh in on the various ways that parasites can infiltrate the human body and take over. They explain how microscopic organisms can evade our body's immune system and cause debilitating illnesses that can take months or even years to fully recover from.

One of the recurring themes of "Hijackers" is the importance of seeking medical attention early on when experiencing unusual symptoms. Many of the individuals in the show delayed going to the doctor, assuming that their symptoms would eventually go away on their own. However, this often led to a more severe infection and a longer recovery time.

Overall, "Hijackers" is a gripping and informative episode that sheds light on the dangers of parasites and infections. Viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation of the intricate and complex relationship between our bodies and the microscopic organisms that can wreak havoc on them.