TIME is reporting that two people in Michigan have died from cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection caused by Cyclospora, which can contaminate fresh produce and lead to severe diarrhea. Michigan’s health department said the individuals had significant underlying health conditions, and dehydration may have contributed to their deaths. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is continuing its investigation into the unusually large outbreak, with more than 6,700 confirmed cases across 45 states.
The publication also highlighted a new scientific review suggesting that people and animals consuming moderate amounts of protein tend to live longer and healthier lives compared to those with higher intake. TIME noted that this finding contrasts with other studies promoting high-protein diets. Longevity scientist Matt Kaeberlein, who was not involved in the review, advised prioritizing a high-quality diet rich in whole foods and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods and simple sugars, before focusing on specific protein quantities. He emphasized that the optimal protein intake for longevity or individual health is still being determined.
In other health news, TIME reported that mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, a potentially fatal parasite, to dogs. It said that monthly heartworm medication protects pets from this disease, which can be caused by a single mosquito bite.
Additionally, TIME mentioned other notable health stories from various outlets. STAT published an essay by neurologist Christopher Campos, who revealed his own ALS diagnosis after years of diagnosing the disease in others. KFF Health News examined the reasons behind the plummeting enrollment in the Affordable Care Act, which is projected to result in millions losing health insurance this year. TIME itself also published findings by Christopher M. Worsham and Anupam B. Jena on the effectiveness of flu shots, based on a natural experiment using children's birthday data.