Actor and musician Saba Azad was hospitalized in March 2026 after developing a parasitic gastrointestinal infection. She shared details of her condition on social media, stating that the illness lasted nearly two weeks and resulted in a weight loss of around 4 kg.
Medical reports indicate that the infection was caused by Cyclosporiasis, which occurs due to the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. This organism infects the small intestine and leads to gastrointestinal illness.
The incident occurred in March 2026, when Azad sought medical attention after experiencing worsening symptoms. She required hospital care due to increasing weakness and inability to carry out routine activities.
She posted on her Instagram account,
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.
Saba Azad, Actor
In Azad’s case, she reported rapid physical decline, including weakness and noticeable weight loss, which are consistent with moderate to severe infection.
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.
Saba Azad, Actor
Saba Azad also shared this advice on Instagram, urging people to prioritize food hygiene by washing vegetables and salad greens thoroughly, as it can play a crucial role in preventing infections.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine and causes Cyclosporiasis. Humans are the only known hosts, and infection is usually linked to contaminated food or water, especially raw fruits and vegetables.1,2
The parasite is passed in stool as immature (non-infectious) oocysts. These require 7–14 days in the environment to become infectious. Humans acquire the infection by ingesting contaminated food or water containing mature oocysts.
Direct person-to-person transmission is uncommon.1,2
After ingestion, the parasite invades the cells lining the small intestine. It multiplies within these cells, leading to:
Inflammation
Damage to intestinal villi
Impaired nutrient absorption
These changes result in diarrhoea and weight loss.
Common symptoms include:
Prolonged watery diarrhoea
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Nausea and loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Weight loss
Symptoms usually appear about one week after exposure and may persist for weeks if untreated.
Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying oocysts in stool samples using:
Microscopy
Special staining or UV fluorescence
Molecular tests such as PCR
The standard treatment is trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).
Symptoms typically improve with appropriate therapy, although untreated cases may be prolonged or relapsing.1,2
Preventive measures include:
Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Avoiding contaminated water
Maintaining proper food hygiene
Saba Azad is currently recovering after receiving medical care. Her case highlights the clinical impact of foodborne parasitic infections and the need for awareness regarding safe food consumption and early symptom recognition.
1. Almeria, Sonia, et al. 2019. “Cyclospora cayetanensis: An Emerging Foodborne Parasite.” Trends in Parasitology.
2. Ortega, Ynes R., and Rubén Sánchez. 2019. “Update on Cyclospora cayetanensis, a Food-Borne and Waterborne Parasite.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
(Rh/SS)
