Ep 6. Stowaways

In Monsters Inside Me season 2 episode 6, titled "Stowaways," viewers are taken on a disturbing journey through the realm of parasitic infections that are often difficult to detect until it's too late. The episode focuses on three different stories, each featuring a different type of parasite and the devastating effects they can have on their hosts.

The first story follows a woman named Lynette who experiences excruciating abdominal pain that is initially diagnosed as acid reflux. As her symptoms worsen, she discovers that she has been infected with a rare parasite called Trichinella spiralis, which she contracted from eating undercooked pork. The parasite can damage the body's tissues and muscles, causing severe pain and potentially deadly complications. Lynette must undergo a series of intense treatments to rid her body of the parasite and save her life.

The second story introduces viewers to a young boy named Eli who is suffering from a mysterious illness. After numerous doctor visits and countless tests, he is finally diagnosed with a rare form of tapeworm that has infested his brain. The tapeworm produces larvae that burrow deep into his brain tissue, causing seizures, paralysis, and cognitive impairments. Eli's parents must make the difficult decision to undergo a risky and invasive surgery to remove the tapeworm from their son's brain.

The final story centers around a man named Paul who contracts a severe infection after swimming in contaminated water. He is diagnosed with a rare and potentially deadly amoeba called Naegleria fowleri that enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, causing massive inflammation and swelling. Paul's doctors must act quickly to save his life, but the prognosis is grim as few people have survived this rare and deadly infection.

Overall, the episode Stowaways serves as a haunting reminder of the many hidden dangers that exist in our world. Parasites and infections can lurk in the places we least expect them, and can wreak havoc on our bodies and our lives. Through the personal stories of Lynette, Eli, and Paul, viewers are able to witness the devastating effects of parasitic infections, and to gain a better understanding of the importance of vigilant health practices and early detection.