10 sickened with E. coli infections linked to raw milk cheeses sold nationwide, CDC says

SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX) – A multi-state outbreak of E. coli linked to raw milk cheese products has infected at least 10 people in four states, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Raw Farms LLC issued a voluntary recall for its Raw Farm cheddar cheeses after officials with the CDC and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) were alerted to illnesses in four states — California, Colorado, Texas and Utah — that appeared to be linked. The company, however, said no product samples had ever tested positive for E. coli contamination, and that the recall was announced out of "an abundance of caution" based on the CDC and FDA's concerns.

Still, the CDC is advising consumers not to eat Raw Farm Raw Cheddar cheeses, and to discard or return the items to their place of purchase. Consumers should also wipe down any surfaces the cheeses may have touched, the CDC suggests.

The potentially contaminated products include both the original and jalapeno Raw Milk Raw Cheddar varieties in all sizes and packages. The cheeses were also distributed nationwide, per a food safety alert issued by the CDC.

The outbreak linked to the Raw Farm cheeses has so far sickened at least 10 people, four of whom required hospitalization, and one of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which affects the kidneys. Of the 10 recorded illnesses, the CDC says four were reported in California, three were reported in Colorado, two were reported in Utah, and one was reported in Texas.

It's likely the total number of illnesses is "much higher," the CDC says, as some sickened people may have recovered without testing or reporting their illnesses.

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically begin to present approximately three or four days after ingesting the bacteria, and most people can recover without treatment in about a week, the CDC says.

Anyone who believes they may have contracted E. coli is advised to call a health care professional if experiencing the following severe 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.

E. coli, 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.