Miller’s Organic Farm Raw Milk Listeria Outbreak
Raw milk produced by Miller’s Organic Farm in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania, was recently identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the likely source of a multi-state Listeria outbreak that occurred in 2014.
Illnesses were reported in two states, California and Florida, each with one infected individual. The age of ill people from California and Florida ranged from 73 to 81 years. Both of those people sickened were hospitalized, and the ill person in Florida died as a result of listeriosis.
Miller’s Organic Farm Raw Milk Listeria Outbreak Investigation
Although the two illnesses occurred in 2014, the CDC could not identify the source of the outbreak until January 29, 2016, when new information was obtained by the FDA. During a November 2015 raw milk conference held in Anaheim, CA, the FDA obtained samples of Miller’s Organic Farm raw chocolate milk, which tested positive for the presence of Listeria. Through a technique known as whole genome sequencing (WGS), FDA investigators determined that Listeria bacteria isolated from the raw milk samples was closely related genetically to Listeria isolated from the two ill people.
About Listeria And Listeria Infection
Listeriosis, is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, rarely, persons without these risk factors can also be affected.
Listeria Symptoms
The illness can develop for up to two months after an individual consumes a Listeria contaminated food. Initial Listeria symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms may include headache, weakness, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms. Because presentation and outcome of the infection can be affected by the type of infection (non-invasive vs. invasive) or the patient’s risk group, it is important to direct your questions and concerns to your healthcare professional promptly.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a Free Listeria Lawsuit Case Evaluation
The Weinberg Law Firm is currently assisting victims of Listeria food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. We are ready to help you too. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with listeriosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free food poisoning lawsuit case evaluation by calling our NJ personal injury lawyers toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
