9 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center
CONCORD, N.H. —
Nine people who ate lettuce that was served at the Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria in Keene came down with confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, state health officials said Thursday.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it is investigating additional cases that might be linked to the cluster.
Dartmouth Health said Cheshire Medical Center has identified 16 patients, including 10 employees, who were exposed to cyclosporiasis.
Officials said the lettuce has since been recalled by Taylor Farms because of the national cyclosporiasis outbreak. DHHS has confirmed that the recalled lettuce is no longer being served at the facility, and Dartmouth Health said all salad bar options have been temporarily removed.
Dartmouth Health said no inpatients have contracted cyclosporiasis while at Cheshire.
DHHS said anyone who ate lettuce at Cheshire Medical Center from the beginning of June through July 20 who develops severe or persistent watery diarrhea should contact their health care provider for evaluation and testing for Cyclospora infection.
State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said more cases could be reported because of the attention the outbreak has received.
“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.
People infected with Cyclospora may develop symptoms including watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever. Symptoms typically begin within one week after consuming contaminated food, but it can be as long as two weeks or more before symptoms develop.
Dartmouth Health said cyclosporiasis is not deadly, but it can cause extreme gastrointestinal distress. DHHS said that if it’s untreated, symptoms can last for weeks and relapse, though most people with normal immune function will get better on their own.
Health experts say there have been more than 11,000 estimated cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide since May 1.