Microbes may be too small to see with our naked eyes. But they can have some huge effects, especially when they are pathogenic. E. coli is a good example of one, and it is currently undergoing a multi-state outbreak.
The outbreak’s source is reportedly raw milk cheese products. It has infected at least ten people in four states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Raw Farms LLC issued a voluntary recall for its Raw Farm cheddar cheeses after the CDC and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) received alerts about illnesses in four states. The four states include California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah, and the illnesses seem to share a link.
However, the company said no product samples had ever tested positive for E. coli contamination. It claims the recall was out of “an abundance of caution” based on the CDC and FDA’s concerns.
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Nevertheless, the CDC advises consumers not to eat Raw Farm Raw Cheddar cheeses and to discard or return the items to their place of purchase. The CDC also suggests that consumers wipe down any surfaces the cheeses may have encountered.
The potentially contaminated products include the original and jalapeno Raw Milk Raw Cheddar varieties in all sizes and packages. The cheeses are also circulating nationwide, per a food safety alert issued by the CDC.
The outbreak linked to the Raw Farm cheeses has so far sickened at least ten people, four of whom ended up in the hospital, and one of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which affects the kidneys.
Of the ten recorded illnesses, four were reported in California, three were reported in Colorado, two were reported in Utah, and one came from Texas. The CDC believes the number of illnesses is likely “much higher” as some sickened people may have recovered without testing or reporting their illnesses.
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Symptoms of E. coli infection typically show themselves approximately three or four days after ingesting the bacteria. However, the CDC says most people can recover without treatment in about a week.
Anyone who believes they may have an E. coli infection should call a health care professional. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- 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.
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E. coli is short for Escherichia coli. According to the CDC, these bacteria usually live in the intestines of people and animals, with most of the bacteria being harmless. However, some E. coli can cause illness. They are spread via contaminated water, contaminated food, or contact with other animals or people.
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