9 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center - WMUR

What the report says

WMUR Manchester reported that New Hampshire health officials have confirmed nine cases of cyclosporiasis among people who ate lettuce served in the cafeteria at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. The Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday that it is also reviewing additional illnesses that could be tied to the same cluster.

According to WMUR, Dartmouth Health said Cheshire Medical Center has identified 16 people exposed to cyclosporiasis, including 10 employees. Officials linked the lettuce to a Taylor Farms recall connected with a broader national outbreak, and DHHS said the recalled product is no longer being served at the medical center. Dartmouth Health said the hospital has temporarily removed all salad bar options and that no inpatients contracted the illness while hospitalized at Cheshire.

DHHS advised anyone who ate lettuce at the medical center from early June through July 20 and develops severe or lasting watery diarrhea to seek medical evaluation and testing for Cyclospora infection. State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan told WMUR that case counts may rise as awareness of the outbreak leads more patients and providers to pursue testing.

Cyclospora infection can cause watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever. Symptoms often start about a week after contaminated food is eaten, but may take two weeks or longer. WMUR reported that Dartmouth Health described cyclosporiasis as generally not deadly, though it can cause significant gastrointestinal distress; DHHS said untreated symptoms can persist for weeks or recur, while many people with normal immune systems recover without treatment.