gating a cluster of 45 cases of Campylobacter infections associated with the consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk from Weber County.According to public health officials, those reporting illnesses were people who said they drank raw milk before getting sick. Reports include cases from Cache, Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties, along with two cases involving out-of-state residents from California and Idaho. Onset dates range from May 9, 2014, to July 21, 2014. Those who reported becoming ill range in age from two to 74 years.
All 45 cases are linked to the consumption of raw milk or cream purchased at Ropelato Dairy in Weber County, officials said. Utah Department of Agriculture and Food inspectors suspended the dairy’s license to sell raw milk on Aug. 4, 2014, after several tests of raw milk samples taken at the farm were positive for Campylobacter.
“Inspectors have repeatedly visited the dairy, reviewing safety procedures, working with the owner to determine the source of the problem and helping devise corrective actions,” said Larry Lewis, spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture and Food.
He said the dairy has been very cooperative in working with the inspectors and will be allowed to resume raw milk sales as soon as the milk consistently passes safety tests.
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Illness can last for up to a week or more and can be serious, especially for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who have weakened or compromised immune systems.
UDOH Epidemiologist Kenneth Davis said, “In some severe cases, illness can lead to complications, including paralysis and death. If you have recently consumed raw milk and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.”
Raw milk is milk from cows, goats or sheep that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. This raw, unpasteurized milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, which are responsible for causing foodborne illness. Other products that contain raw milk, such as cream or queso fresco, can also cause foodborne illness.
Raw milk contaminated with disease-causing bacteria does not smell or look any different from uncontaminated raw milk, and there is no easy way for the consumer to know whether the raw milk is contaminated.
Since 2009, there have been 14 documented outbreaks of Campylobacter infection associated with raw milk consumption in Utah, with more than 200 people becoming ill.
