Food Safety Report: Raw milk linked to Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in Twin Cities, MN

Minnesota, United States

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is investigating a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in Twin Cities, MN linked to raw milk. To date, 5 children infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported, and 1 of them was hospitalized. The families of 2 children reported that they consumed unpasteurized milk. Information could not be obtained from the remaining families, but the bacteria from the cases were found to be identical through laboratory analysis. This indicates the infections came from the same source. The children became ill between the end of June and early July.

MDH is working to identify the source of the unpasteurized milk causing these Salmonella infections and prevent additional illnesses. If you have raw or unpasteurized milk in your refrigerator, please do not consume it.

Unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, is milk that has not been heated to a temperature high enough to kill harmful germs from fecal contamination sometimes found in the milk. These germs can include Campylobacter, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella. One child in this cluster of cases was infected with two types of pathogenic E. coli in addition to Salmonella, emphasizing the possibility of getting multiple infections from raw milk.

People infected with Salmonella Typhimurium can develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps from six hours to several days after consuming contaminated foods or touching infected animals. The illness typically lasts from four to seven days. In some instances, people may get so sick that they may need to be hospitalized. Children under age 5, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe illness and hospitalization.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2023/salmonella072723.html