Health Advisory on Raw Milk Contamination Has Been Issued by ADPH, DEC in Alaska

The Alaska Division of Public Health (ADPH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have issued a health advisory relating to a recent ongoing outbreak of Campylobacter infections that have been associated with consuming raw milk.

Since late January 2013, four people with confirmed Campylobacter infection and at least one person with probable infection reported consuming unpasteurized milk in the few days preceding illness.

One infant with close contact to a confirmed case-patient is also suspected of having Campylobacter infection. All six reside on the Kenai Peninsula.

Campylobacter can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramping/pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever within two to five days after exposure.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' Section of Epidemiology has urged consumers to report immediately if anyone consumed raw milk in 2013 and subsequently developed a diarrheal illness.