Utah affected by E. coli contamination in raw milk cheese
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — At least two Utahns have been infected by E. coli after eating raw milk cheese, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers about a recent outbreak.
According to the CDC, at least 10 people have been affected by this recent outbreak across four states — California, Utah, Colorado and Texas — with four people ending up in the hospital and one person developing serious kidney problems.
The CDC is advising consumers to stay away from raw cheddar cheese from the brand RAW FARM, as there is a recall out. According to the CDC, both the original and jalapeno flavored cheeses are contaminated.
The recalled cheese brand is sold nationwide and, according to the CDC, Raw Farm LLC is now working with the Food and Drug Administration and has agreed to recall products.
What should you do?
If you have purchased any raw cheddar cheese from RAW FARM, the CDC says to not eat it, and to throw it away or return it to the store.
Not only are consumers advised to get rid of the cheese, but they are also advised to wash any items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated cheddar cheese. The CDC says to use hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Businesses are being urged to not sell or serve raw cheddar cheese from RAW FARM, and to wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the contaminated product as well.
What is E. coli and what are the symptoms?
E. coli is short for Escherichia coli, and the CDC says these bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals, with most of the bacteria being harmless. However, some E. coli can cause illness and are typically transmitted through contaminated water, contaminated food or through contact with other animals or people.
According to the CDC, E. coli symptoms typically begin three to four days after someone swallows the bacteria, and most people can recover without treatment in about a week.
The CDC says to call your healthcare provider if experiencing the following severe E. coli symptoms:
Diarrhea and high fever (higher than 102° Fahrenheit).
Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea lasting longer than three days and not improving.
Signs of dehydration (such as a dry mouth or throat, infrequent urination).
Vomiting.
Losing pink coloring in cheeks and lower eyelids.
What’s next?
While at least 10 people have been confirmed to be part of the outbreak, that number could be much higher, according to the CDC.
“This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli,” the CDC said in its investigation details. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
The CDC is actively investigating the outbreak.
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