Updated
Updated · Reader's Digest · Jul 31
U.S. Health Officials Warn 18,000 Cyclospora Cases Are No Weight-Loss Shortcut
Updated
Updated · Reader's Digest · Jul 31

U.S. Health Officials Warn 18,000 Cyclospora Cases Are No Weight-Loss Shortcut

3 articles · Updated · Reader's Digest · Jul 31

Summary

  • 18,000 Americans in 45 states have been sickened by Cyclospora, prompting health officials to warn against intentionally catching the parasite for temporary weight loss.
  • Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and appetite loss can reduce weight, but experts say that drop reflects bodily stress from a serious intestinal illness, not healthy fat loss.
  • Hospitalizations are rising even though no deaths have been reported, and untreated cyclosporiasis can last for weeks or recur, officials said.
  • CDC and FDA investigators are still tracing the outbreaks as officials urge people to wash fresh produce thoroughly and practice good hand hygiene.

Insights

How did a dangerous Cyclospora outbreak become “cyclospora skinny,” and why do doctors say the weight loss can be medically devastating?
If Cyclospora often escapes routine stool tests, how many patients with recurring diarrhea may be missing the real diagnosis?
With thousands of cases tied to produce, what foods are most at risk and how can shoppers protect themselves without avoiding vegetables?