A raw milk Campylobacter outbreak in Oklahoma that has sickened ten people is linked to Swan Bros. Dairy, which is located in Claremore. The dairy is recalling its raw milk products, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Officials found Campylobacter jejuni in the products.
The recalled items are: raw whole milk, raw 2% milk, raw skim milk, and raw heavy cream. They were sold in plastic half-gallons, gallon, and pints directly from the dairy. The milk was sold between April 9, 2020, and June 22, 2020.
Raw milk has not been pasteurized, which is a process of briefly heating the milk to destroy pathogens. Because a cow’s udders are so close to her anus, milk can be contaminated with many different pathogens, including Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, and Brucella.
Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial foodborne illness in the U.S. Symptoms of a Campylobacter infection include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. These symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after exposure to the pathogen, and people are usually sick for about a week.
This infection can be mild, but some people, especially those in high risk groups such as those with a weakened immune system or chronic illness, can become seriously ill. The most life threatening complication of a Campylobacter infection is Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause whole body paralysis. It can take some people years to recover from this syndrome.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Campylobacter food poisoning, you can contact attorney Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) include weakness or tingling sensations in both legs that can spread to the arms or upper body. This complication can progress over hours or weeks. About 1 in every 1,000 Campylobacter infections leads to GBS.
If you purchased any of the recalled products, do not drink them or use them at all, even if you plan to cook with them. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling these products. And if you have been ill with the symptoms of campylobacteriosis, see your doctor. You may be part of this Swan Bros. raw milk Campylobacter outbreak.
