Zac Efron Finally Breaks the Silence Following His Life-Threatening Hospitalization
Any time that someone travels to a different part of the world, they're vulnerable to possible infections for which they don't have immunity. This is obviously the reason why it's important to have vaccinations prior to travel.
Still, it's not a guarantee that you will come out unscathed. This was, unfortunately, the case for Zac Efron as he traveled to Papua New Guinea.
The purpose of his trip was to film the reality television show, Killing Zac Efron, which focused on the High School Musical star abandoning all the luxury and convenience of the modern world while trying to survive in a jungle with minimal supplies.
The show can be described as "[Efron] going deep into the jungle of a remote, dangerous island, and falling off the grid for 21 days."
Contracted Life-Threatening Bacterial Infection
During the filming for the reality show, Efron fell very ill. So badly, in fact, that he was air-lifted to a hospital in Brisbane where it was reported that he had a life-threatening typhoid infection.
It would be several days before anything else was heard on the matter, leaving people all over the world to worry about his well-being.
Efron was one of the lucky ones, though, as the hospital personnel were able to administer life-saving treatment to him. He was ordered to stay in the St. Andrews War Memorial Hospital for several days for observation purposes and precautions before he would be cleared to leave and return to the United States.
Eventually, he was cleared and returned home, where he issued a statement to fans and loved ones on Instagram.
Breaking His Silence
Breaking his silence on Instagram, Efron posted, "Very thankful to everyone who has reached out. I did get sick in Papua New Guinea but I bounced back quick and finished an amazing 3 weeks in P.N.G. I’m home for the holidays with my friends and family. Thanks for all the love and concern, see you in 2020!"
From the look of things, it seems like he's in great spirits and the whole world can breathe a sigh of relief. Bouts with typhoid infections don't always have such good prognoses.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's common for people to contract a typhoid infection when contaminated water or food sources are present.
The Purpose of Filming the Show
Before the filming of Killing Zac Efron began, the movie star was asked about his decision to embark on a show that was so extreme.
Speaking with the Hollywood Reporter, Efron shared, "I tend to thrive under extreme circumstances and seek out opportunities that challenge me on every level. I am excited to explore any uncharted territory and discover what unexpected adventure awaits!"
Little did he know that his exploration of uncharted territory would come with the significant possibility of contracting a life-threatening bacterial infection, but we're glad he's all well now.
Back in Good Health
It's unknown whether he will be moving on with the show, or even returning back to Papua New Guinea, for that matter. But he does seem to have recovered well, as he was spotted over the weekend doing some casual shopping with friends.
A friend of his, Christophe Bertsch, posted a picture on Instagram of the group shopping with the caption, "Thank you Z for showing up at our friends and family shopping. Conor you are the man for the magic! 🙏🏻🤘🏻💥."
If he does return to resume filming, here's to hoping that he has a safe and exciting 2020 with no visits to the hospital.
