Nine people who ate contaminated lettuce served at the Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria in Keene contracted confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The infections are part of a broader national outbreak that has prompted widespread produce recalls and heightened medical surveillance across healthcare facilities.
Hospital Exposure and Patient Totals
Dartmouth Health reported that Cheshire Medical Center has identified 16 patients, including 10 employees, who were exposed to the parasite within the facility. State health officials stated that the implicated lettuce was distributed by Taylor Farms amid an ongoing national cyclosporiasis outbreak. According to DHHS, the recalled produce has been removed from the cafeteria, and Dartmouth Health confirmed that all salad bar options were temporarily taken offline.
Dartmouth Health stated that no inpatients have contracted cyclosporiasis while at Cheshire.
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Symptoms and Testing Guidelines
State health officials advised anyone who consumed lettuce at the Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria between the beginning of June and July 20 to monitor their health. According to DHHS, individuals who develop severe or persistent watery diarrhea should contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and diagnostic testing.
State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan warned that the local case count will likely rise. “I do want to point out that the number of infections is likely to increase as providers and patients become aware of the outbreak and do more testing,” Chan said.
Infected individuals may experience a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. Symptoms usually emerge roughly one week after consuming tainted food, though the incubation period can stretch to two weeks or longer.
National Outbreak Context
While Dartmouth Health noted that cyclosporiasis is not deadly, it causes extreme gastrointestinal distress. Without medical treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks and relapse, though individuals with normal immune function generally recover on their own, according to state health data. Federal and state health monitoring indicates that more than 11,000 estimated cases of cyclosporiasis have been recorded nationwide since May 1.
Pro Tip: Keep track of food consumption history and onset dates if you experience prolonged gastrointestinal illness. Sharing this timeline with a medical provider accelerates accurate diagnosis and targeted testing for parasitic infections like Cyclospora.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cyclosporiasis spread from person to person?
The provided sources do not contain information regarding whether the parasite is passed directly between individuals.
How long do symptoms take to appear after exposure?
Symptoms typically begin within one week of consuming contaminated food, though the onset can take two weeks or longer, according to state health officials.
What treatments are available for Cyclospora infections?
While many individuals with healthy immune systems recover without intervention, untreated cases can lead to weeks of recurring illness.
Have you or a family member been affected by this outbreak? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest public health updates.
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