Florida officials report raw milk outbreak
The Florida Ministry of Health is investigating a campylobacter epidemic and E. coli infections linked to non -pasteurized raw milk.
In August. 4 The department reported that 21 people had been infected, seven of the patients had to be hospitalized. The patients live in the central and northeast regions of the state.
The health service did not name the dairy that produced raw milk.
“Sanitation practices on this farm are particularly worrying due to the number of cases,” said the Department of Health in a Monday bulletin.
Of the 21 patients identified so far, serious complications have been reported in at least two. Six of the patients are children under the age of 10.
In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non -human consumption as pet food or animal, which limits the efforts to regulate health practices. The containers must have a label clearly indicating that raw milk is for the consumption of animals only, according to the Department of State Health.
“The Floridians should be aware of the potential risks associated with consumption, which can vary depending on the source of milk. The treatment of raw milk producer and milking procedures is essential for prevention of contamination, ”according to the Department of Health.
Raw milk comes directly from animals and does not go through pasteurization to kill bacteria. As such, raw milk can contain Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and other bacteria and viruses, which can cause serious illnesses.
Most public health professionals say raw milk is dangerous for human consumption and warns against children because their immune systems are not entirely developed.
About E. coli infections
Food and drinks contaminated by E. coli do not look, do not feel, do not feel.
Anyone who has consumed raw milk and developed symptoms of infection at E. coli should consult a doctor and speak to his doctor about their possible exposure to bacteria. Specific tests are necessary to diagnose infections, which can imitate other diseases.
Symptoms of E infections. Coli vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients can also have a fever. Most patients are recovered within five to seven days. Others may develop severe or potentially fatal symptoms and complications.
About 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with E. COLI infections develop a potentially fatal complication of renal failure, called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). SCH symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, very tired sensation, reduced frequency of urination, small bruises or unexplained bleeding and pallor.
Some people with Shu are recovered in a few weeks, but others have permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of all ages, but is the most frequent in children under the age of five due to their immature immune system, of the elderly due to the deterioration of immune systems and people with compromise immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience Hus symptoms should immediately request emergency medical care. People with Shu will probably be hospitalized because the disease can cause other serious and continuous problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage and neurological problems.
On Campylobacter infections
Food and drinks contaminated by Campylobacter do not look, are not spoiled.
Anyone who has consumed raw milk and developed symptoms of Campylobacter infection should consult a doctor and inform his health care provider of their possible exposure. Specific tests are necessary to diagnose Campylobacter infections, which can imitate other diseases.
Many people are recovered in a week, but Campylobacter infection can cause long-term consequences, such as arthritis, irritable colon syndrome (IBS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
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