Parasitic Diseases

Investigation Details This is an update on the number of cyclosporiasis illnesses acquired in the United States with onset on or after April 1, 2023. Cases continue to be reported. No specific food items have been identified as the source of most of these illnesses. State and local public health officials are interviewing people with cyclosporiasis to find out what foods they ate before getting sick. As of July 25, 2023, a total of 1,063 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in people who had not traveled outside the United States during the 14 days before they got sick have been reported from 35 jurisdictions, including 34 states and New York City. This is an increase of 482 cases since the last update on July 13, 2023. Sick people range in age from 2 to 96 years, with a median age of 50, and 58% are female. The median illness onset date is June 8, 2023 (range: April 1 to July 17).  Of 1,038 people with information available, 79 have been hospit...

Liquid collagen is a dietary supplement that is thought to improve skin elasticity, increase muscle mass, and prevent signs of aging and heart disease. Others contend that it can lead to shinier hair, stronger nails, and healthier joints, or even aid with weight loss. Because the body produces less collagen as people age, products like liquid collagen are thought to restore this naturally occurring protein which supports the structure of skin, hair, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. This article takes an unbiased look at the potential benefits of liquid collagen and what the current research says. It also outlines the possible risks of collagen supplements and describes ways to boost collagen levels as you age. ljubaphoto / Getty Images The Body Makes Less Collagen as We Age Collagen makes up one-third of the protein in the human body. It is the main component of connective tissues and provides the structural framework for tendons, ligam...

Nattokinase is an enzyme (protein) found in natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. Also sold as a dietary supplement to promote heart health, nattokinase side effects are generally mild, but it may increase the risk of bleeding. Soybeans in natto are processed using the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto . Rich in nutrients, natto contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and zinc. Nattokinase's purported heart-related benefits occur by increasing the activities of the following naturally occurring proteins in your body: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase. Nattokinase may also directly break down fibrin, a structural component (part) of blood clots. This article discusses what you should know about nattokinase—its potential uses, side effects, and interactions. Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them...

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health has observed a recent increase in mpox cases — a contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus — throughout the state. Since Jan. 1, 12 mpox cases have been reported to the department from Central, eastern, Northern, and northwest regions of Virginia. Of those, four patients were required to be hospitalized, six were also infected with HIV and none had previously been vaccinated. In comparison, last year, there were 12 reported mpox cases in all of 2023, and all were from Northern Virginia. The department said signs and symptoms of mpox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash that might be painful. "Most people infected with mpox during this on-going outbreak have been gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, but anyone can get mpox," a spokesperson for the department said. According to the department, these cases demonstrate the c...

iStock The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. The Sports Illustrated editorial team is not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here. If you're an avid bodybuilder, athlete or fitness enthusiast, adding a casein protein powder to your routine is a fantastic way to enhance your muscle growth and recovery. While there are several different types of protein powder supplements available, such as whey, pea and soy, casein is unique in that it digests slowly and provides a steady supply of amino acids to your muscles over an extended time period. This is great for individuals looking to maximize muscle protein synthesis and preserve lean muscle mass during periods of prolonged fasting, such as while you're sleeping. Casein protein powder is also a solid option for a morning breakfast smoothie or midday snack when you know...