"Worst 14 days of my life," says Actress Saba Azad in a social media post, regarding an important update on her health status. She informed her followers of how she had been sick due to a health condition that made her lose 4 kgs in a matter of two weeks.
"Worst 14 days of my life. Cyclospora cayetanensis, you nasty piece of work!! For someone who only ever eats home food, carries her water bottle everywhere, this stomach bug came outa nowhere, that too at the busiest time of the year for me. I've lost 4 kgs that I didn’t have spare in two weeks and I can barely walk. One day I'm training twice a day, doing pull-ups, lifting heavy and the next I'm half my size, without the strength to lift a goddamn toothpick leave alone weights. So pls for the love of your gut, wash your salad leaves and veg like your life depends on it - cause sometimes it really does!!," mentioned her social media post.
What is Cyclospora infection?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
How deadly is Cyclospora?
An individual can contract the infection from contaminated food or water. It can cause prolonged and severe gastrointestinal illness. If a person has a compromised immune system, the infection can turn out to be deadly for them. If not treated on time, the individual can be sick for a very long time.
Cleveland Clinic lists the following as the symptoms of the infection:
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- Watery or explosive diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bloating and gas.
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness).
- Low-grade fever.
- Nausea.
- Stomach cramps.
- Vomiting.
While deaths are extremely rare, the parasite can pose serious health risks for vulnerable groups, including:
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy)
How does it spread?
Cyclospora spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly by drinking untreated water or eating fruits and vegetables that came in contact with contaminated water.
Prevention Tips
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use
- Drink clean, safe water
- Practice proper hand hygiene
For more information, consult a health expert.
