May 28, 2022 … I do not know if it could then have been so). I decided to give him half of my last money and I even made a donation list for trying to collect …
Ah, family hikes. The perfect blend of bonding, nature, and the occasional existential crisis. You lace up your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and head out with the family, ready to conquer the great outdoors. But sometimes, nature has other plans—just ask Ella Stiebel, who learned this the hard way during a family hike in the Balinese jungle.
Ella, a Melbourne resident, set off for what was supposed to be an idyllic day in the sun, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of chirping birds. Instead, she found herself battling a vicious enemy: dengue fever. Yes, you heard that right. While most people come back from a hike with some cute photos and perhaps a few bug bites, Ella returned with a hefty dose of pain and suffering.
Now, dengue is not your run-of-the-mill flu. It’s a mosquito-borne viral illness that can lead to some pretty intense symptoms. Ella’s experience was no picnic. She described the ordeal as feeling like her brain was about to explode—an image that’s both alarming and a tad dramatic, but hey, we get it. The intense pain and sensitivity to light had her feeling like she had stumbled straight into a horror movie.
After two and a half weeks of feeling like a walking zombie, Ella finally got the diagnosis: dengue. And if that wasn’t enough, her father also caught the dreaded virus during the family adventure. Talk about a bonding experience! Nothing says ‘family togetherness’ like both parents being bedridden with a tropical illness. At least they could commiserate together, right?
It’s a stark reminder of how nature can be both beautiful and perilous. One minute you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle, and the next you’re wishing you had just stayed home binge-watching your favorite show instead. Ella’s story is a cautionary tale for all those who think a family hike is just a walk in the park… literally.
So, what can we learn from Ella’s unfortunate but enlightening experience? First, always check for mosquito-borne illnesses in the area before you head out. Second, maybe pack some bug spray along with the granola bars. And finally, if you start feeling like your brain might explode, it’s probably not just the altitude; it’s time to seek medical attention.
In the end, Ella’s story is a mix of adventure, misfortune, and a dash of humor that reminds us all to appreciate our health and maybe stick to less adventurous family outings—like a nice trip to the local mall. After all, who needs the jungle when you can have a food court?
So, the next time you think about taking the family on a hike, just remember: the only thing you want to catch should be some fresh air, not a tropical disease. Stay safe out there, folks!
Inspired by: “‘I thought my brain would explode’: How Ella’s family hike led to painful disease” (r/Local)