Zac Efron narrowly escaped death after being struck by a serious infection while filming his new TV show in Papua New Guinea, according to reports.
The 32-year-old was filming a documentary series called Killing Zac Efron (Kill Zac Efron) when became ill with a “form of typhoid or a similar bacterial infection” just before Christmas, according to The Sunday Telegraph. Typhoid fever, caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi, can be potentially fatal if not treated in time.
According to the newspaper, Efron was taken to Brisbane, Australia, from Papua New Guinea on a “life or death flight,” always guarded by a team of doctors who made sure he arrived at the hospital alive.
In Brisbane he was admitted to the private St Andrews War Memorial centre. There he received treatment for several days. Dr. Glenn McKay, Director of Medical Rescue, the organization that oversaw Efron’s flight, told the newspaper he could not discuss the patient information, but confirmed that “they recovered a US citizen in his 30s from PNG to Brisbane for rescue.” healthcare in Australia.
Despite the severity, Efron’s condition stabilized within a few days, and after receiving specialized care, he was discharged by Australian doctors. The actor, in fact, was able to return to the United States on Christmas Eve.
The Hollywood actor flew to Papua New Guinea in early December to film Killing Zac Efron. The series will follow Efron as he enters “the jungle of a remote and dangerous island, becoming completely isolated for 21 days,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In Papua New Guinea, the actor met his tour guide, Cyril Tara, who shared several photos of exploring the island with the former Disney star. “I am very happy to be his guide,” Tara wrote on his Facebook profile on December 7 while posing with Efron.
During the time he was filming, the actor traveled by canoe to the island of Kamanibit and visited the Pagwi village.
“I tend to thrive in extreme circumstances and look for opportunities that challenge me on every level,” Efron said of the show before traveling last November. He added: “I’m excited to explore any uncharted territory and discover what unexpected adventure awaits me.” “.
Killing Zac Efron will stream on Quibi, a short-form mobile video platform.
