Ep 3. My Vacation from Hell

In this episode of Monsters Inside Me season 6, entitled "My Vacation from Hell," viewers will follow the harrowing accounts of travelers whose vacations turned into nightmares as they were infected by dangerous parasites and bacteria.

The episode opens with Claudia, a woman who, while on vacation in Bali, experiences severe abdominal pain and vomiting. She is rushed to the hospital where doctors find a massive tapeworm living inside her intestines. Claudia must undergo a grueling treatment to remove the tapeworm and recover from the damage it caused.

Next, we hear from Steve and his wife who took a trip to the Caribbean, only to fall ill with a mysterious fever. As their symptoms worsen, they discover they have contracted Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe joint pain and fever. Steve and his wife struggle through the intense pain and debilitation of the virus, with doctors warning them it can take months to fully recover from the effects.

The episode then moves to a family vacation in the mountains of Colorado, where a hike through the woods leaves a father and his son with mysterious rashes and fevers. After seeking medical help, the two are diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection called tularemia, which is contracted through ticks and infected animals. The family must deal with the frightening reality of their dangerous surroundings and the risks of outdoor activities.

Another traveler, Jill, recounts her experience in Costa Rica, where she contracts a rare parasitic infection called Chagas disease. Transmitted by "kissing bugs," Jill must undergo a painful treatment regimen to rid herself of the illness, all while dealing with the psychological trauma of contracting a disease in a foreign country.

Finally, the episode closes with the story of Cody, a young man on a backpacking trip in Asia. After swimming in dirty water, he becomes extremely ill and is taken to a hospital for treatment. The cause of his sickness is revealed to be Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be contracted through exposure to contaminated water. Cody fights through the debilitating effects of the disease, which could have been fatal had he not received medical help in time.

Throughout "My Vacation from Hell," viewers are reminded of the importance of practicing safe travel habits, being aware of the risks associated with different destinations and activities, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms arise. The stories of these travelers serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the unpredictability and danger that can come with even the most well-intentioned vacations.