As a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak swells past 6,700 confirmed cases — including a cluster of at least 17 tied to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene — Monadnock Community Hospital says it’s ready to handle any local cases that arise.
The state first confirmed nine cases tied to the Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria on July 23; by July 28, DHHS put that count at 17, with two people hospitalized.
The local outbreak has been traced to lettuce products from Taylor Farms, which have since been recalled as part of a much larger national Cyclospora outbreak. Nationally, the case count has continued to climb sharply: the Center for Disease Control’s most recent weekly surveillance update shows more than 6,700 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases since May 1, with more than 11,500 additional cases still under investigation — up from roughly 4,200 confirmed cases just a week earlier.
Michigan health officials announced Monday that two deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
Dr. Adam Darnobid, MD in Emergency Medicine at the Monadnock Community Hospital, confirmed MCH is prepared for the Cyclospora virus or other viruses that cause diarrhea.
“We are ready and able to take care of it,” Darnobid said.
He clarified the hospital has access to specialists and strong healthcare providers. While Cyclospora is different than other viruses that cause diarrhea because it prefers a human source and can be traced back to a point cause, Darnobid confirmed MCH is used to dealing with these types of viruses.
As for recommendations to avoid the virus, Darnobid said to wash your lettuce, use a salad spinner if you have access and, most importantly, wash your hands.
Even though he pointed out produce is often washed at the grocery store, he said, “It doesn’t hurt to wash it again.”
Cyclospora symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever, according to the NH DHHS. Symptoms usually begin one week after eating contaminated food, but can take up to two weeks to develop.
If you have any questions or concerns, Darnobid recommended visiting the emergency room.