Newly released state records reveal that at least 165 people have fallen ill with salmonella infections linked to raw milk products from a farm in Fresno, California. This outbreak, traced back to Raw Farm, is the most significant reported salmonella outbreak associated with raw milk in the U.S. in the past decade.
Health officials are cautioning the public to avoid unpasteurized milk due to the presence of a bird flu virus, Type A H5N1, circulating in U.S. dairy cows. This virus has been detected in over 140 dairy herds across the country, with high levels found in raw milk.
The outbreak, which began in October, continued to grow despite a voluntary recall of milk and heavy cream by Raw Farm. Investigations linked samples from sick individuals to the farm and a retail store, with over 60% of confirmed cases reporting consumption of Raw Farm products. The majority of cases, 162 out of 165, were reported in California, with some cases in other states as well.
Children under 5 accounted for nearly 40% of the illnesses, with 20 people requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths were reported in connection to this outbreak.
Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee confirmed that his products were involved in the outbreak, attributing it to a single cow infected with salmonella last fall. McAfee implemented additional testing protocols in response to the situation.
One affected individual, Jessie McGee, shared her experience of her 6-year-old daughter being hospitalized due to a confirmed infection from the outbreak. McGee, who had turned to raw milk for its perceived health benefits, expressed regret over the ordeal and vowed to no longer consume unpasteurized milk.
California health officials conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with local and state agriculture teams, notifying the public through various channels. The outbreak was declared over on May 4, with no further cases reported after February.
