Ep 1. Backyard Killers

Monsters Inside Me season 7 episode 1, titled Backyard Killers, tells the stories of individuals who fell prey to creatures hidden in the most unsuspecting of places, their own backyards. This episode highlights the dangers of even the most innocent-looking creatures and the devastating effects they can have on their unwitting victims.

The first story follows a young girl named Riley who contracts a life-threatening infection from a tiny tick bite. What seemed like a typical summer day spent playing outside turns into a nightmare as Riley's symptoms progressively worsen, leading her to be hospitalized. Doctors struggle to identify the culprit behind her illness until they finally discover the rare and dangerous infection spread by the Lone Star tick.

Next, we meet a man named Tom who is suddenly struck with excruciating pain and breathing difficulties after doing some yard work. Despite being an experienced outdoorsman, Tom is completely caught off guard by the mysterious illness that overtakes him. Doctors suspect a venomous spider may be the source of his ailment, but as Tom's condition continues to deteriorate, they are left scrambling for answers.

The third case featured in Backyard Killers concerns a young woman named Coqui who suddenly experiences severe pain and swelling in her leg. Initially believing it to be a normal bee sting, she is shocked when the symptoms worsen and she begins to feel seriously ill. Coqui soon learns she has contracted a rare and potentially deadly bacterial infection from a bacterial agent found in soil, likely from gardening in her own backyard.

The final story in the episode follows a family who unknowingly adopts a kitten that carries a deadly parasite. The parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, can cause debilitating symptoms in humans. After a routine visit to the doctor reveals that several members of the family have been infected with the parasite, they are left struggling to find a way to eliminate it from their lives.

Throughout the episode, experts weigh in on each ailment, offering important information about the creatures in our backyards and the ways in which they can harm us. The show offers an eye-opening look at the dangers of living in close proximity to wildlife and reminds viewers to always be cautious when spending time outdoors.

Overall, Monsters Inside Me season 7 episode 1 is a chilling exploration of the parasites and creatures that can lurk in our own backyards, causing insidious harm and potentially fatal consequences. It serves as an important reminder to always be vigilant and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of these scary "backyard killers."