Campylobacter outbreak in Idaho traced to unpasteurized raw milk

Idaho public health officials are investigating recent reports of 18 people who recently tested positive for Campylobacter after drinking unpasteurized, raw milk.

According to the health department, the sick people drank raw milk from Paradise Grove Dairy. The Idaho Division of Public Health is working with Central District Health (CDH), Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in the ongoing investigation.

Since July 24, 18 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection. All 18 reported drinking raw milk, and 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County before becoming ill. Paradise Grove Dairy distributes milk to numerous stores in southern Idaho. CDH and EIPH conduct interviews with sick people.

Paradise Grove Dairy voluntarily halted production on August 2, inspected and repaired equipment and increased the frequency of milk testing, before resuming production on August 12.

Anyone who purchased raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy between July 19 and August 2 should stop drinking it and throw it away immediately.

About Campylobacter infections
Food and drinks contaminated with Campylobacter do not look or smell bad. The bacterium is invisible to the naked eye. Anyone who has consumed raw milk or raw milk products from the dairy in question and developed symptoms of infection should seek medical attention and ask to be tested for the bacteria. Symptoms of a Campylobacter infection can mimic other infections, making it difficult to diagnose.

Many people recover within a week, but a Campylobacter infection can have long-term consequences such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Azithromycin and fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin are commonly used for treatment, but resistance to fluoroquinolones is common.

Symptoms of a Campylobacter infection usually begin two to five days after exposure and are characterized by diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. More serious illnesses may occur, including bloodstream infections and symptoms similar to acute appendicitis or ulcerative colitis.

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