Cheshire Medical Center has identified 15 people as of Friday, July 24, who were exposed to cyclosporiasis amid a nationwide outbreak of the foodborne parasite cyclospora. The cases were likely contracted through eating contaminated Taylor Farms lettuce at Cheshire’s cafeteria salad bar that was purchased and served prior to a national recall.
Cheshire immediately pulled all affected products once the recall was issued and, out of an abundance of caution, the salad bar is closed until further notice.
Cheshire immediately reported these cases to the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services and nine cases have currently been confirmed as of Friday. At this time, no inpatients have contracted cyclosporiasis while at Cheshire.
Here’s what to know about the disease and how to prevent infection.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the foodborne parasite cyclospora.
Hear more from Gabriela Andujar Vazquez, MD, medical director of infection prevention at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
People infected with cyclospora may develop symptoms including watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever. The disease is not fatal.
How long do symptoms of cyclosporiasis last?
Symptoms typically begin within one week after consuming contaminated food, but it can be as long as two weeks or more before symptoms develop. Most healthy people with normal immune function will eventually get better on their own without treatment.
What should I do if I experience symptoms?
Anyone who ate lettuce from the beginning of June through July 2026 who develops severe or persistent watery diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and testing for cyclospora infection.
For questions about cyclosporiasis or to report a suspected illness in New Hampshire, contact the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services at 603-271-4496.
How can I avoid getting cyclosporiasis?
Transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Keep in mind that contaminated lettuce is likely present throughout Cheshire County and beyond, so please use caution during this time and avoid any recalled foods. View a full list here.
Dartmouth Health encourages frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water (or hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available) and thoroughly rinsing produce—especially lettuces, broccoli and berries—before eating.
For more information on cyclosporiasis exposure in New Hampshire, such as confirmed cases and identified exposure locations, visit the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services’ website.