KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Cheshire Medical Center has now confirmed 30 cases of cyclosporiasis, with hospital officials saying most of those infections have been linked to the cafeteria salad bar that served recalled lettuce earlier this summer.

According to an email from a Dartmouth Health spokesperson, 24 of the 30 people who tested positive reported eating from the Cheshire Medical salad bar. That group includes 18 hospital employees.

While the number of confirmed cases has increased since the hospital’s previous update, officials said the higher total does not indicate that the outbreak is continuing to grow.

Instead, the additional confirmed cases reflect laboratory testing of people who had already been experiencing symptoms for at least a week. Hospital officials said that is an encouraging sign because it suggests new illnesses are not continuing to emerge.

Dartmouth Health also noted that cyclospora is circulating beyond the hospital-related outbreak. Officials said the parasite is likely present throughout Cheshire County and other areas, and public health investigators are continuing to examine additional outbreaks that are not connected to the recalled lettuce served at the hospital.

As the region’s primary hospital, Cheshire Medical is testing and treating patients who arrive with symptoms of cyclosporiasis. Officials cautioned that a positive diagnosis does not necessarily mean someone became infected after eating at the hospital’s salad bar.

The outbreak has been linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce that was served in the cafeteria before the nationwide recall was announced. The recalled products have been removed from service, and the hospital’s salad bar remains closed while the investigation continues.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. It spreads through contaminated food or water and is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms commonly include prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue.

Cheshire Medical continues to work with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services as the investigation remains ongoing.