• The CDC and FDA warn of an E. Coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese, sickening ten people nationwide
  • Ten cases were reported in California, Utah, and Colorado between mid-October 2023 and late January with four individuals hospitalized
  • Consumers are advised to discard or return the cheese, wash affected items, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms, with strict hygiene practices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are warning of an outbreak of E. Coli that has already sickened ten people across the country who ate some contaminated Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese.

The ten cases of individuals infected with E. coli have occurred in California where four people were made sick, Utah which had two cases and Colorado where three were made ill, however the product was sold nationwide.

The onset of illnesses occurred between mid-October and the end of January.

So sick were the individuals after eating the contaminated cheese that four people ended up in hospital.

One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition potentially leading to kidney failure. The under fives are at the highest risk of this developing.

The CDC and FDA have warned of an E. Coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese, sickening ten people nationwide

The CDC and FDA have warned of an E. Coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese, sickening ten people nationwide

Consumers are advised to discard or return the cheese, wash affected items, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms, with strict hygiene practices

Consumers are advised to discard or return the cheese, wash affected items, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms, with strict hygiene practices

The actual number of affected individuals is likely to be far higher than reported with many simply dealing with the discomfort in their own home rather than going to the doctor or seeking medical help or who have undergone E. coli testing.

The CDC say the outbreak may also have extended beyond the states where cases have occurred so far. No fatalities have been reported.

Some recent cases may also have not yet come to light as it takes typically between three and four weeks in order for such confirmations to be made.

The outbreak affected both original and jalapeno cheddar cheese made by Raw Farm and includes both blocks and packets of shredded cheese.

Customers who bought the cheese are advised to either throw the products away or return them to the store where purchased.

Items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated cheese should be washed using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

The actual number of affected individuals is likely to be far higher than reported with many simply dealing with the discomfort in their own home rather than going to the doctor or seeking medical help or who have undergone E. coli testing. Pictured, E.coli bacteria (file)

The actual number of affected individuals is likely to be far higher than reported with many simply dealing with the discomfort in their own home rather than going to the doctor or seeking medical help or who have undergone E. coli testing. Pictured, E.coli bacteria (file) 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) together with the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) are warning of an outbreak of E. Coli that has so far sickened 10 people

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) together with the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) are warning of an outbreak of E. Coli that has so far sickened 10 people

Victims of the deadly bacteria can become seriously ill – with cases caused by eating contaminated food including severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea and even kidney failure.

Typical symptoms include stomach crams, diarrhea and occasionally fever. About half will have bloody diarrhea.

These usually appear three to four days after infection but it can take as much as a two weeks before they arise.

While an amount of the E.coli bug can be found in the bowels of most people, it poses a particular risk to older people, diabetics and people who are dehydrated.  

Others whose threat of the bacteria is heightened are people who use a urinary catheter, people with an intravenous device, those with gallbladder or kidney stones and people with prostate problems.

A cheese maker cuts curds in a vat during production (file photo)

A cheese maker cuts curds in a vat during production (file photo)

A herd of dairy cattle is seen in lush green fields

A herd of dairy cattle is seen in lush green fields 

Doctors warn those suffering from these symptoms not to take antibiotics, as these may increase the victim’s risk of complications – and say the symptoms can usually be cared for at home.

But if you or your child has bloody diarrhea it is recommended people contact their doctor.

Anti-diarrhea drugs should also be avoided as this may mean the toxin stays in the body for longer.

If you or your family have any of the symptoms, you must avoid sharing towels or diaper changing mats, and you must not leave soiled items in the kitchen.

Instead, you should make sure you are being completely hygienic – washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water, washing soiled items separately from everything else, wiping down surfaces with hot water and detergent and using thick household bleach where possible. 



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Post source: Daily mail