Utah officials determine raw milk causes more than a dozen illnesses

Investigators have identified Utah Natural Meats and Milk as the source of raw, unpasteurized milk that sickened people in the state.

At least 14 people have been infected with Campylobacter, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. One hospitalized patient has been discharged. Patients ranged in age from 2 to 73 years old.

The affected dairy products are located in West Jordan, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

According to the health department, only two patients reported drinking raw milk before becoming ill. The department continues to urge people to only drink pasteurized milk.

“Since 2009, Utah has documented 25 outbreaks of Campylobacter infection associated with raw milk consumption. These outbreaks have sickened a total of 295 people,” a notice from the Salt Lake County Health Department states.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with most state and local health departments across the country, also recommend against consuming unpasteurized raw milk and products made from it. Raw dairy products can contain a variety of pathogens, including Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A.

Contaminated raw milk and products made from it do not look, smell, or taste unpleasant, and consumers cannot detect the pathogens in them without laboratory testing.

It is illegal for retailers in Utah to sell raw milk. Farms that sell raw milk directly to consumers must hold a special license.

About campylobacter infection
The outbreak has been linked to unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, poultry and produce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can also become infected from contact with dog or cat feces. Human-to-human transmission of Campylobacter is uncommon.

Many people recover within a week, but Campylobacter infection can have long-term consequences, such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Azithromycin and fluoroquinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin) are commonly used for treatment, but resistance to fluoroquinolones is common.

Symptoms of Campylobacter infection usually begin two to five days after exposure and are characterized by diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. More serious illness may occur, including bloodstream infections and symptoms similar to acute appendicitis or ulcerative colitis.

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