RAW MILK, ENTERIC ADVISORY FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Within the last week, Central District Health Department (CDHD) and Southwest District Health (SWDH) identified four Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli (STEC O157:H7) and four Campylobacter cases who consumed Natural Farm Fresh Raw Milk. This local dairy sells raw milk at many locations across the Treasure Valley.

On October 20, 2015, public health officials were notified that the dairy is voluntarily removing all raw milk from stores due to these associated cases. Leftover product in residents’ homes should be discarded. A press release from Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) urged residents who consumed the raw milk and are experiencing symptoms to contact their health care provider.

If you suspect that a patient has diarrheal illness associated with raw milk, consider a bacterial enteric screen and include Giardia and Cryptosporidium since these can also be associated with raw milk. If E. coli is suspected, antibiotic therapy is not recommended due to increased risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

This STEC and Campylobacter outbreak serves as a reminder that raw milk is a high-risk food item. Individuals at increased risk of severe illness such as young children, pregnant women, elderly, and those who are immunocompromised should be advised to avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products.

For more information on food safety and raw milk, see http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html or contact the Office of Communicable Disease Control at 327-8625.

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