IDPH issues warning after sickness cases linked to raw milk consumption

(WAND) — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a reminder about the potential dangers of drinking raw milk after a recent outbreak of sickness linked to raw milk consumption.

According to IDPH, at least 11 people recently had a Campylobacter infection, which is a bacteria linked to drinking raw milk. The organization said that raw milk does not go through pasteurization, making it more likely to be a source of food borne illness.

"Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health successes of the last century," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "It helps keep milk and dairy products safe for everyone to enjoy. Raw milk skips this important step and can carry dangerous germs that may cause serious illness, especially in young children, older people, and individuals with chronic medical conditions."

Symptoms if the Campylobacter infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, it can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Anyone that has drank raw milk and experiences those symptoms is told to contact their doctor.

IDPH recommends drinking pasteurized milk, refrigerating perishable foods at 40 degrees or colder and throwing away expired food.

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