This man was enjoying his trip to southeastern Africa when he decided to take a seemingly harmless dip in Lake Malawi but it was the beginning of a horrifying infection that left him fighting for his life!
While in the water, a parasite had swam up into James Michael’s genitals and actually laid eggs!
This caused an infection, known as bilharzia, which caused him to lose feeling in both of his legs, toilet and digestive problems, extreme acne caused by steroids and had to use a catheter, crutches and a wheelchair!
When he first noticed the symptoms, he went to the hospital out of fear it was something serious and turned out the infection was actually causing his immune system to attack his spine!
Michael, though he has now made a full recovery warns about knowing the risks of swimming in a foreign country!
“It’s just not worth the potential risks of a little worm climbing in your body through your parts. It’s a grotesque, sickening thought,” he said. “This has been horrendous. It’s felt like a never-ending mountain I’ve had to climb.”
So protect your parts while abroad, people!
Find more on this story and photos of Michael here!
