The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has confirmed 237 cases of cyclosporiasis across the state, prompting concerns from medical experts about the illness and misleading social media posts.
Claims have circulated online that contracting the parasitic infection can bring about weight loss. However, health professionals stress that such claims are misleading and emphasize the significant health risks associated with the illness. Dr. Shane Speights, dean of the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, warned that the infection is neither a safe nor effective method for weight management.
“Once you get sick, it can continue to give you problems,” Speights said. “And what I mean by that is yes, there is significant diarrhea, obviously upset stomach, abdominal pains, cramps, fever, fatigue.”
Dr. Speights explained that cyclosporiasis symptoms can persist for weeks, with some individuals experiencing periods of improvement followed by recurrence. The infection, caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with the cyclospora parasite, often leads to gastrointestinal distress, which can result in unintentional weight loss as a symptom.
Health officials urge anyone who believes they may have been exposed to cyclospora to seek medical care. Doctors can confirm the diagnosis through a stool sample test.
The spread of misinformation around cyclosporiasis as a method for weight loss highlights the need for public awareness of the risks involved. ADH continues to monitor the situation, encouraging individuals to follow proper hygiene practices and ensure food safety to reduce their risk of contracting the illness.