Tennessee — A Tennessee-based food content creator is sharing her difficult experience after contracting cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that has been making headlines across the United States amid an ongoing outbreak.
What she initially believed was a routine case of food poisoning turned into nearly a month of illness, leaving her unable to work, afraid to leave home, and struggling through severe digestive symptoms.
Now fully recovered, she hopes her story helps others recognize the warning signs and seek medical care sooner.
Food Reviewer Thought It Was Just Food Poisoning
Christina Hart, 29, who hosts “The Locally Owned Series” on TikTok, said her symptoms first appeared like a typical stomach illness.
At first, she assumed she had food poisoning or a stomach virus. But after more than a week without improvement, she decided it was time to visit a doctor.
While following news reports about the growing number of cyclosporiasis cases, Hart realized her symptoms closely matched those being reported nationwide.
She specifically requested testing for the parasite, and the results came back positive.
According to Hart, she remained sick for about three weeks, only beginning to feel noticeably better around the three-and-a-half-week mark.
“You Lose Complete Control”
Hart described the illness as one of the most difficult health experiences she has ever faced.
She said the constant need to use the restroom made everyday activities almost impossible. According to Hart, “You lose complete control,” making it difficult to leave the house or even consider spending time in public places.
She explained that the unpredictable symptoms forced her to stay close to a bathroom at all times.
Health experts say cyclosporiasis commonly causes frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever, with symptoms sometimes lasting for weeks if left untreated.
Hart also experienced severe bloating despite eating very little throughout her illness.
Parasite Forced Her to Pause Growing Career
Before becoming sick, Hart had been steadily growing her audience by posting two or three food review videos each week. When her uploads suddenly stopped, followers began messaging her to ask what had happened.
She admitted it was difficult explaining that she had been sidelined by a parasitic infection, saying the interruption was emotionally challenging as well as physically exhausting.
Hart worried the break would hurt the momentum she had built as a local food creator. Instead, the opposite happened.
Unexpected Support After Sharing Her Story
Once Hart publicly discussed her diagnosis, viewers flooded her with messages of encouragement and support.
She said that although the illness “flipped everything upside down,” it unexpectedly opened new opportunities for her online career.
Rather than losing followers, she found that many people connected with her honesty and appreciated her willingness to discuss an uncomfortable health issue.
Today, Hart says she feels “fantastic” and has completely recovered, though she still describes the weeks she spent battling the infection as “miserable.”
She also revealed that she lost 17 pounds during the illness because she struggled to eat normally.
Cases Continue to Rise Across the United States
Hart’s experience comes as health officials continue monitoring thousands of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across the United States.
Public health experts advise anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days, especially if symptoms continue beyond what is typical for food poisoning, to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the duration and severity of the illness.
For Hart, what began as one of the hardest experiences of her life ultimately became a reminder that even unexpected setbacks can lead to new opportunities.
Have you or someone you know ever dealt with a long-lasting foodborne illness or parasite infection? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below.
