Actor Saba Azad's recent health scare has put the spotlight on a little-known but troublesome parasite—Cyclospora Cayetanensis. After being hospitalised, Saba shared a raw account of her experience on her Instagram on Friday, calling it the “worst 14 days” she has gone through.
But What Exactly is Cyclospora Cayetanensis?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic organism that infects the small intestine and causes an illness known as cyclosporiasis. It is most commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water—particularly raw fruits, vegetables, or salads that haven't been washed properly.
Once inside the body, the parasite can lead to a range of symptoms, including prolonged diarrhoea, weakness, nausea, bloating, and sudden weight loss. In some cases, the fatigue can be intense and long-lasting, making even basic movement difficult.
Saba's condition reflects just how severe it can get. “I've lost 4 kgs that I didn't have spare in two weeks and I can barely walk,” she revealed, explaining the toll it took on her body. She also highlighted the drastic shift in her physical strength: “One day I'm training twice a day, doing pull-ups, lifting heavy and the next I'm half my size, without strength to lift a goddamn toothpick.”
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What makes this infection particularly concerning is that it doesn't always stem from obvious negligence. Even those who follow strict eating habits can be affected. Saba pointed this out in her post, saying, “For someone who only ever eats home food, carries her water bottle everywhere, this bug came out of nowhere.”
This infection doesn't pass from person to person—it spreads through contaminated food or water, so basic food hygiene is key to staying safe. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoiding untreated water, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness are key preventive steps.
Using her own experience as a warning, Saba urged people to take precautions seriously: “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!!”
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While cyclosporiasis is treatable with proper medication, recovery can be slow if the infection is severe or detected late. Saba is currently recovering, and also acknowledged the support she has received during this phase, sharing, “@hrithikroshan who's kept my very grumpy spirits up and always manages to find humour in the darnest situations.”
Here's hoping she bounces back stronger soon and returns to doing what she does best. As she focuses on healing, her experience serves as a reminder to slow down and stay careful with basic habits like food hygiene.
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