Nine individuals contracted cyclosporiasis after consuming lettuce served at the Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria in Keene, New Hampshire, according to state health officials. This outbreak, which is connected to a broader national issue, has prompted investigation into additional linked cases.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is exploring further incidents associated with this cluster. Dartmouth Health reported that Cheshire Medical Center identified a total of 16 individuals exposed to the parasite, including 10 employees.
In response to the outbreak, Taylor Farms has recalled the implicated lettuce. Health officials confirmed that this product is no longer available at the facility, and the salad bar options have been temporarily suspended at Dartmouth Health.
Importantly, officials noted that no inpatients have reported cases of cyclosporiasis while receiving care at Cheshire Medical Center. However, DHHS has urged anyone who consumed lettuce at the location between early June and July 20 to seek medical advice if they experience severe or persistent watery diarrhea.
State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan indicated that increased reporting of cases is likely, as healthcare providers and patients become aware of the outbreak and perform additional testing. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever, typically arising within one week of consuming contaminated food, although onset can be delayed for up to two weeks or longer.
While cyclosporiasis is not fatal, it can lead to significant gastrointestinal discomfort. If untreated, symptoms may persist for weeks and may relapse. Nevertheless, most individuals with healthy immune systems typically recover without medical intervention. Since May, over 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been estimated across the United States.
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