Health Officials Investigating Serious illnesses in Ada County Residents Associated with Raw Milk Consumption

BOISE, Feb. 4, 2026 – Central District Health (CDH) is investigating reports of serious illness in nine Ada County residents, including two children currently hospitalized with serious complications. All cases reported consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk, a known risk factor for certain foodborne illnesses.

CDH is conducting interviews with affected individuals and testing raw milk samples as part of the ongoing investigation. Several illnesses have been laboratory confirmed as Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC can cause severe foodborne illness, including bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and may lead to serious complications, particularly in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Two children are hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious complication of E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure and long-term health problems. One case has laboratory-confirmed STEC infection; the second is epidemiologically linked based on reported consumption of the same brand of raw milk as other confirmed cases.

Although the investigation is ongoing, all cases have reported consuming raw cow milk products from R Bar H prior to illness. The dairy has pulled all products from stores and voluntarily suspended production while the investigation continues. While CDH waits for the results of testing, out of an abundance of caution, consumers who have purchased these products should avoid consumption and discard any remaining product. Anyone who has consumed raw milk and develops symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting should seek medical care and report the illness to their local health district.
Raw milk is dairy milk from a cow, goat, or other animal that has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization uses heat to kill harmful germs, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.

While consuming raw milk is a personal choice, health officials urge residents to understand the serious health risks, particularly for young children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable individuals. If you choose to consume raw milk, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Always refrigerate raw milk within 30 minutes of purchase
• Raw milk should be kept at 32-36°F in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth
• Check for signs of spoilage, such as changes in smell, texture or taste and discard any milk that shows signs of spoilage
• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling raw milk and minimize splashing when transferring it to another container

For additional guidance, contact Central District Health at (208) 327 8625.

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Media Contact:
Central District Health
Stephanie Borders, Communications Manager
208-327-8639 | 208-871-1712
sborders@cdh.idaho.gov

About Central District Health
CDH, Public Health District IV, is one of seven public health districts within the state of Idaho, serving the counties of Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley. With a vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities, CDH’s emphasis is on decreasing risk factors for chronic disease, improving quality of life and increasing the years of healthy life among residents.