Multistate E. coli Outbreak sickens 11 in 5 states
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials in several states report investigating a multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese.
As of February 28, 2024, a total of 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 5 states— California (4), Colorado (3), Utah (2), Texas (1) and New Jersey (1).
Five people required hospitalization for their illness and 2 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 9 people interviewed, 7 (78%) specifically reported eating Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese.
Officials in California, Colorado, and Utah collected various Raw Farm products for testing including raw milk, raw butter, raw cheddar cheese, and raw kefir. So far, no samples have detected E. coli. Additional testing is ongoing.
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On February 26, 2024, Raw Farm brand withdrew their recall. However, CDC continues to advise people not to eat, sell, or serve Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.
CDC advises:
While this investigation is ongoing, do not eat any Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated cheese using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe E. coli symptoms:
Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
Bloody diarrhea
So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
Signs of dehydration, such as:
Not peeing much
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing up
Feeling very tired
Losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids
Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
Some people may develop serious kidney problems (HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.