Saba Azad (Photo: IG)
Saba Azad has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasitic infection. Sharing an update on Instagram, she mentioned that despite the difficult phase, her partner Hrithik Roshan has been a constant source of support, keeping her spirits up.
The actress also revealed that she lost 4 kilograms in just two weeks due to the infection, which she contracted despite strictly consuming home-cooked meals and carrying her own water wherever she went.
Alongside the update, Saba posted a photo on Instagram, flashing a peace sign while resting on a large hospital bed.
Sharing the tale of the worst 14 days of her life, she wrote, “Worst 14 days of my life. Cyclospora cayetanensis you nasty piece of work!! For somone who only ever eats home food, carries her water bottle everywhere, this bug came outa nowhere, that too at the busiest time of the year for me. Iv lost 4 kgs that I didn’t have spare in two weeks and I can barely walk. One day im training twice a day, doing pull-ups, lifting heavy and the next im half my size, without strength to lift a goddamn toothpick leave alone weights (sic).”
She advised everyone to wash their vegetables and fruits properly before consuming. “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!! ” Our new method is Baking soda veggie wash ( Herbal Strategi has a good one),” she added.
Saba appreciated Hrithik’s talent for finding humour even in the darnest situations. “@hrithikroshan who’s kept my very grumpy sprits up and always manages to find humour in the darnest situations…PS – I haven’t shrunk quite as much as it may seem here, the bed is supersized and the angle is wide,” further added in the post.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal disease transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Cyclospora Cayetanensis is a microscopic, single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. It causes an illness known as Cyclosporiasis, which primarily affects humans. Unlike many bacteria or viruses, this parasite requires time outside the human body to become infectious, which means it is not typically spread directly from person to person.
The parasite is most commonly transmitted through:
Contaminated fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables
Water that has been exposed to infected fecal matter
Poor sanitation or hygiene practices during food handling
Foods like leafy greens, berries, cilantro, and basil have been linked to past outbreaks.
People infected with Cyclospora cayetanensis may experience symptoms within about a week of exposure. These include:
Frequent, watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Bloating and gas
Nausea and fatigue
Abdominal cramping
If left untreated, symptoms can last for weeks or even months, sometimes cycling between improvement and relapse.
While anyone can get infected, higher risk groups include:
Travelers to tropical or subtropical regions
People consuming raw or unwashed produce
Individuals with weakened immune systems
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing Cyclosporiasis usually requires specialized stool tests, as the parasite can be difficult to detect.
The infection is treatable with antibiotics, most commonly Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. With proper treatment, symptoms typically resolve within a few days to weeks.
Prevention largely revolves around good hygiene and food safety:
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
Drink clean, treated water
Practice proper handwashing, especially before meals
Avoid consuming food from questionable sources while traveling
Though not widely known, Cyclospora cayetanensis is an important public health concern, particularly in regions with limited sanitation. Awareness, safe food practices, and timely treatment can go a long way in preventing and managing this infection.
Olivia Sarkar is a Senior Content Producer on the Entertainment and Lifestyle desk with 6 years of experience. In 6 years, she worked with ANI, IANS, Zee News. Known for covering trends and engaging storytelling, she covers a wide spectrum of topics including entertainment news, fashion, fitness, health, food, travel, astrology. From major film announcements to industry controversies. Throughout her career, she has interviewed several notable personalities such as Femina Miss India World 2022 Sini Shetty, Miss World 2024 USA contestant Victoria DiSorbo, Miss France 2020 Clémence Botino.Her interview portfolio also includes celebrities like Milind Soman, Tiger Shroff, and Vikrant Massey, along with acclaimed singers Shubha Mudgal and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Jaspinder Narula. Beyond work, Olivia enjoys exploring new food joints, being wanderlust, and writing poetry. You can reach her out on X: @OliviaSarkar11
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