An E.coli outbreak associated with raw milk distributed through a cowshare program at McBee Dairy Farm in Mascot, TN has prompted health officials to issue a health alert. Residents are being advised not to consume products from the dairy and to discard any products they have on hand.
“Out of an abundance of caution at this time, we advise people not to consume raw milk or dairy products from McBee Dairy Farm in Mascot, TN due to possible contamination with E. coli 0157. We also recommend consumers dispose of any raw milk or dairy products they may currently have from McBee Dairy Farm,” the alert, issued by Knox County Health Department and the East Tennessee Regional Office of the Tennessee Department of Health, states.
A number of people have been sickened, three of them have confirmed cases of E. coli 0157 infection, according to the alert. All of those sickened are known to have obtained raw milk from the cowshare program..
Because it is not pasteurized,raw milk can contain E.coli and other harmful bacteria that can produce life-threatening illness. Infants and young children are among those with the greatest risk of illness from raw milk. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include abdominal cramping and diarrhea that can be bloody. Health officials urge anyone who has consumed raw milk and is experiencing those symptoms to seek medical attention.
