WI: BACTERIAL INFECTION LINKED TO RAW MILK IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN
News Date September 01, 2009
Thirteen confirmed cases of illness in southeastern Wisconsin have been linked to consumption of unpasteurized milk, public health officials said August 28, and they cautioned residents to discard any unpasteurized milk they have in their homes.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said individuals have tested positive for campylobacter jejuni, a bacterial infection that causes gastro-intestinal symptoms and fever and that occasionally leads to severe complications.
The onset of illness was Aug. 14-20. All victims had consumed raw milk or been in households where someone else consumed raw milk and became ill. Campylobacter can be passed between people as well as being contracted directly from contaminated food. Selling or distributing raw milk and raw milk products is illegal in Wisconsin. (Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130)