9 People Contract Cyclospora After Eating Lettuce at Cheshire Medical Center

Nine people have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis after eating lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, according to hospital officials.

The illnesses are connected to iceberg lettuce that was later included in a nationwide recall involving products supplied by Taylor Farms. The hospital said the affected lettuce was removed immediately after it learned about the recall.

Cheshire Medical Center is reviewing its records and contacting people who may have eaten the lettuce. The hospital is also working with state health officials as they investigate the infections.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. The most common symptom is frequent watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, fatigue and a low-grade fever.

Symptoms typically begin about one week after eating contaminated food and can continue for several weeks if the infection is not treated.

Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after epidemiological and traceback evidence connected the products to a multistate outbreak. The recalled lettuce was distributed to restaurants, retailers and food-service operations in numerous states, including New Hampshire.

Federal health officials have linked more than 1,600 illnesses and dozens of hospitalizations in five states to the larger outbreak. No deaths have been reported.

Anyone who ate lettuce at Cheshire Medical Center and later developed symptoms is encouraged to contact a health care provider.