SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WSIL) — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a reminder about the dangers of consuming raw milk after 11 people recently fell ill. The illnesses are linked to unpasteurized milk, which has not undergone treatment to eliminate harmful germs.
“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. To help keep everyone in Illinois safe, we encourage people to be cautious and think carefully before choosing to drink raw milk.”
The IDPH has identified an outbreak of Campylobacter infection connected to raw milk from a single source. State health officials said the producer is notifying customers and cooperating with the investigation. Campylobacter can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and, in some cases, lead to more serious health issues.
Illinois regulations for raw milk do not require testing for pathogens like Campylobacter. The IDPH advises using pasteurized milk and keeping perishable foods refrigerated to prevent illness.
For more details on raw milk and its risks, visit the Raw Milk and Your Health section with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
