Slip 'N Slide TV Contest Shut Down By Giardia Outbreak
The Claim
NBC’s “Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide” stopped filming after a Giardia outbreak.
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Emerging story
NBC’s Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide planned to feature teams of two doing various competitive activities, usually involving water slides. Perhaps due to its sporty nature, it was to premiere the time slot following the Tokyo Summer Olympics in August. Unfortunately, the Giardia parasite had other plans.
Due to an outbreak of virulent diarrhea amongst the show’s production team, the show’s premiere was postponed. NBC’s investigation showed that the parasite was present in the dirt, which can be kicked up during production, spreading the parasite further. As a result, production has been suspended. This is going to push back the show’s air date, which has yet to be decided.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar's investigation found that an estimated 65% of the show’s staff was infected with Giardia. Giardia is a parasite that can cause severe diarrhea for weeks following infection. It is most commonly found in developing countries and untreated water sources, such as natural rivers and lakes. They can survive quite some time without a host.
It most commonly spreads through tainted water. As slip ‘n slides rely upon water as the primary mechanism for slipping and sliding, having parasite-infected water would result in a batch of violently ill contestants. While some viewers might be interested in watching horribly ill contestants go down a giant water slide, it presents a significant health hazard.
