A raw milk E.coli outbreak has sickened four children in Oregon. Three of them are hospitalized and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which causes kidney failure, according to a press release from health officials in Oregon obtained by Food Poisoning Bulletin.
The children, who are all under the age of 15, drank raw milk from Foundation Farm in Clackamas County before they became sick as did other customers of the dairy who have not had diagnostic testing to confirm E. coli 0157:H7 infections.
The farm has voluntarily halted distribution. Customers are being notified and told not to drink any milk from the farm. their milk. Officials from Oregon Public Health Division, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and several local health departments are collaborating on an ongoing investigation.
Raw milk laws are different in each state. In Oregon, retail sales of raw milk are illegal. Foundation Farm distributed its raw milk to 48 households that bought shares of a herd. That arrangement is legal, but public health officials advise against drinking raw milk.
“Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria that can make you very sick or kill you. Pasteurized milk has many health benefits. Raw milk is not any healthier than pasteurized milk and can carry illness-causing bacteria,” said Katrina Hedberg, M.D., state epidemiologist, Oregon Public Health Division.
Symptoms of E. coli O157 infections include bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually develop two to eight days after exposure. Health officials urge anyone with these symptoms to see a health care provider.
