Slow Food raw milk linked to foodborne illness outbreak

Wyoming, United States

Raw milk sold through the Slow Food in the Tetons online market has caused illness in 4 children and 1 adult, leaving 2 children hospitalized, the Wyoming Department of Health is investigating it. The afflictions are traced back to either E. coli or Campylobacter bacteria. All victims of the outbreak, which spanned Teton and Lincoln counties, had directly purchased the unpasteurized milk and/or milk-based products online on either September 14th or 21st.

The health department has not disclosed the identity of the distributing vendor. Possible symptoms caused by these pathogens include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, fever, and in severe cases with Campylobacter, or E. Coli can lead to more serious blood infections.

The stringent investigation by Wyoming's Public Health Division traced back the source to the consumption of raw milk or raw milk products. The survey was facilitated through an email survey sent out to 61 households, with roughly a third responding, according to Kim Deti, a public information officer with Wyoming Department of Health.

In response to the outbreak, Scott Steen, the Executive Director of Slow Food in the Tetons, stated that the organization had ceased all product sales from the associated vendor. Customers potentially affected by the tainted products were alerted and advised to avoid consuming any remaining product.

As part of an authoritative public health advisory, consumers are reminded that consuming raw milk and raw milk products carries an inherent risk of E. coli and campylobacter illness. The health department is working closely with the seller and producer to mitigate further spread of illness and has affirmed their cooperation in all related health proceedings.

In case you are experiencing E. coli or Campylobacter 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.jhnewsandguide.com/news/health/local/children-hospitalized-after-illness-linked-to-raw-milk/article_d0dac6f2-6879-11ee-b529-433a2adea5c3.html