Home / Health / Parasite Outbreak Leaves Woman Scared, Sick for Weeks
Parasite Outbreak Leaves Woman Scared, Sick for Weeks
10 Jul
Summary
- Cyclosporiasis infection caused severe nausea and fatigue.
- Symptoms persisted for over two weeks, causing significant weight loss.
- Contaminated fresh produce is a suspected source of infection.
Galenn Sekulich, a 33-year-old from Detroit, recently endured a harrowing bout with cyclosporiasis. Her symptoms began in late June 2026 with nausea, dizziness, and extreme fatigue, feeling like a combination of COVID-19 and norovirus. She experienced persistent vomiting and diarrhea, losing 10 pounds in just five days, causing significant distress and fear of more serious conditions.
The parasitic infection, cyclosporiasis, is currently experiencing a nationwide spike. It spreads through contaminated food or beverages, with fresh produce being a primary risk factor. Sekulich suspects a bagged salad or restaurant salad may have been the source of her infection, noting her baby remained healthy. State health officials are investigating numerous cases, but the exact cause remains elusive for many.
Sekulich's illness lasted over two weeks, severely impacting her ability to eat and function. She noted that unlike other illnesses, cyclosporiasis symptoms seemed to 'linger and linger.' The ordeal has also led her family to alter their eating habits, sticking to safer options like applesauce and canned fruits out of caution. Her personal struggle highlights broader concerns about the rising number of infections and the challenges in identifying sources.
