9 more cases of raw-milk illness

Utah public health officials are investigating nine more illnesses linked to the consumption of raw milk.

The first cluster includes nine reported cases of Campylobacter infection among residents in Weber, Davis and Cache Counties.

The second cluster includes six reported cases of Salmonella infection among residents in Utah, Salt Lake and Wasatch Counties.

The 15 total affected people includes six cases of illness previously reported last week and nine new cases. All the milk came from the same two dairies.

All of the patients involved have reported drinking raw milk (unpasteurized milk) purchased at local vendors licensed in the State of Utah to sell raw milk.

Julia Hall, food borne epidemiologist for the State of Utah, said this spring's illnesses from raw milk are likely the state's worst since Feb. 10-April 11, 2007, when there were 24 confirmed illnesses from raw milk consumption.

"We do see it mostly in the spring," Hall said. "But it can occur year round," she said of the possible illnesses from raw milk.

She stressed that there's a demand for raw milk, because some people think it is more healthy.

"But there's a risk involved," she said, involving possible harmful bacteria. Pasteurization is designed to kill bacteria.

There are 27 states, including Utah, who allow the sale of raw milk, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hall said.

These harmful bacteria include: Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. Even with strict state regulations in place regarding the sale of raw milk, there is no guarantee that raw milk is free of disease-causing bacteria.

Raw milk contaminated with disease-causing bacteria does not smell or look any different from non-contaminated raw milk, and there is no obvious way for the consumer to know if the raw milk is contaminated.

Common symptoms of infection with Campylobacter and Salmonella include: diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Illness can last for up to a week or more and can be serious, especially for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those who have weakened or compromised immune systems.

In some severe cases, illness can lead to more serious complications.