9 Cases Of Salmonella Linked To Raw Milk Reported In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County health officials have linked nine cases of Salmonella to raw milk or milk products.

Nine San Diego area residents became ill after consuming raw milk or milk products from Fresno-based Raw Farm LLC. The cases, which began in late September, ranged from people ages 1 to 41, with three children hospitalized, according to county officials. They consumed the products a week before their illness onset.

"The county recommends that people who have products from this company in their homes dispose of them immediately," said Dr. Seema Shah, medical director of the county's Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch.

"It's also important for anyone sick to seek medical care," Shah added. "People who are ill and those that live with them should wash their hands frequently to avoid contaminating surfaces and foods that could spread the disease."

Raw or natural milk has not gone through the pasteurization process that heats the milk to a high temperature for a short period of time to kill harmful germs that can contaminate raw milk. These germs can include Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and other bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Pasteurization is considered the only effective method for eliminating most harmful germs in raw milk or milk products, and does not significantly change the nutritional value.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against the consumption of raw milk and related products. People most at risk for severe illness are adults 65 years and older, children younger than 5, and people with weakened immune systems, according to county officials.

People infected with Salmonella generally develop bloody or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and headaches approximately six hours to six days after consuming contaminated foods. The illness typically lasts four to seven days, with some cases that can lead to hospitalization.