Raw milk recalled; at least five people already sick with campylobacteriosis

At least five people in Washington have infections from Campylobactor after drinking unpasteurized, raw milk from Dungeness Valley Creamery.

The Washington Department of Health reports that the creamery has recalled all of its raw milk with best-by dates of April 13 or earlier. The recall includes milk in gallon, half-gallon, quart and pint containers. It was sold to customers in western Washington in the on-farm store, outside retail stores and drop-off locations.

Anyone who has any of the milk on hand should discard it or return it to the place of purchase. The bacteria is particularly dangerous to the elderly and young children, so anyone who has served the milk to those age groups should monitor them for symptoms.

The health department did not release any details about the ages or conditions of any of the infected people.

The Washington State Department of Health is working with Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and local health investigators during this ongoing investigation.

“Unpasteurized raw milk can carry harmful bacteria and germs. Foodborne illnesses can be caused by many different foods; however, raw milk is one of the riskiest,” said Dr. Scott Lindquist, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases.

Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include fever, diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, vomiting, malaise and abdominal pain. Most people with Campylobacter infection recover on their own, but some need antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, complications may include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk for severe illness.

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