Raw milk linked to outbreak under investigation in Idaho

Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness after consuming raw dairy products. (Getty Images)

Idaho public health officials are investigating an outbreak of bacterial infections in 18 people who drank raw milk.

Before they got sick with campylobacteriosis, all but one of them told health officials they drank raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said in a news release .

Located in Jefferson County, the eastern Idaho dairy distributes milk across southern Idaho, officials said. The state health department’s public health division is investigating the outbreak, along with the State Department of Agriculture and local public health districts in eastern Idaho and the Boise area.

People who have raw milk produced by the eastern Idaho dairy between July 19 and Aug. 2 should immediately throw it away, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said.

On Aug. 2, Paradise Grove Dairy voluntarily stopped production to inspect and repair equipment, and boost its milk testing. The dairy resumed production Aug. 12, officials said.

People should keep milk cold when they take it home from the store, the dairy advised.

What are the symptoms of infections linked to raw milk?

Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness after consuming raw dairy products. Officials suggest they consume pasteurized dairy products.

Symptoms of campylobacteriosis infections include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Symptoms typically last a week, and start two to five days after exposure.

People who consumed raw milk products from Paradise Grove Dairy and are experiencing similar symptoms should seek medical attention, officials say.

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