WEST JORDAN, Utah – Two weeks after local health officials announced a series of illnesses likely caused by raw milk consumption, the source has been traced to a dairy in West Jordan.
As of October 11, 14 people across the state, including 10 in Salt Lake County, were infected with campylobacteriosis. The people ranged in age from 2 to 73, but only two required short-term hospitalization before being discharged to recover at home.
The progression of the illness worried officials and they launched an investigation to determine the cause of the illness.
Of the sick Utah residents, at least 12 reported drinking raw milk purchased from the same dairy.
“Most people will only experience diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever,” said epidemiologist Delaney Moore. People with weakened immune systems, young children, older adults and pregnant women may have more serious complications and a longer duration of illness, and in really severe cases, Campylobacter can cause paralysis and even death.
Raw milk refers to milk that has not been pasteurized. This is a process that kills harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli.
Two weeks later, officials confirmed the illness came from a West Bank dairy called Utah Natural Meat and Milk at 7400 5600 West.
The investigation revealed that the bacteria was the same genetic strain of Campylobacter that sickened the Utahns.
While officials continued testing the products, the dairy’s license to sell raw milk was suspended about a month ago. No new illnesses have been reported since the suspension, said the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF).
West Jordan Dairy is still open and selling other products, but officials suggest opting for pasteurized milk.
“By and large, we recommend that you avoid consuming raw dairy products,” added Moore, who works at DHHS. “No matter how hygienic the operation is, there is always the risk that harmful bacteria can be found in the milk.”
In Utah, it is legal to sell raw milk directly to consumers as long as they have the appropriate license. There are 16 raw milk retailers in Utah, including three in Salt Lake County.
Health officials warned in early October that consuming raw milk can be particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women and older adults.