New Hampshire health officials confirm nine cases of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Thursday that nine people contracted cyclosporiasis after eating lettuce served at the Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria in Keene. The infection is linked to a national outbreak involving iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which was voluntarily recalled on July 17. Dartmouth Health, which operates the facility, identified 16 people with symptoms of the parasite, including 10 employees. While the infection is not deadly, it can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, including persistent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. No inpatients at the hospital have contracted the illness. The administration of the hospital has temporarily removed all salad bar options to ensure safety. Health officials advise anyone who consumed lettuce at the facility between early June and July 20 to seek medical testing if they develop severe symptoms. State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan noted that the number of confirmed cases may increase as more patients become aware of the outbreak and undergo testing.

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