The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is telling consumers to throw away raw milk and raw milk cheese from Stump Acres Dairy in New Salem, York County, Pennsylvania. Raw milk collected during an investigation on April 24, 2013 tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The testing process can take up to 10 days, which is why the news is being released now.
The farm’s permit was revoked in 2007 after many people became sick after drinking raw milk produced at the dairy. The farm currently does not have a permit, which is a violation of Pennsylvania law. No illnesses have been reported to authorities to date.
Symptoms of listeriosis, the illness associated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, can take as long as 70 days to appear after infection. Most people get sick within one to three weeks. The symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, people can experience headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Pregnant women, who may experience only mild symptoms, can suffer miscarriage or stillbirth.
If you consumed raw milk or raw milk cheese from this dairy and are ill, contact your doctor immediately or visit a local state health center. The long term effects of a Listeria infection can be severe, including seizures, vision problems, and paralysis.
