Health officials are warning of a multi-state outbreak of a deadly bacteria linked to raw cheese.
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that 13 people have been sickened and eight hospitalized after eating the products with E. coli strain O26:H11, which produces Shiga toxins that harm the gut lining and lead to severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
There have also been three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.
The agencies are investigating Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese as the potential cause of the outbreak.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, LLC agreed to initiate the voluntary recall of its medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, Monterey jack and jalapeno jack products after the agency informed the company of the E. coli outbreak.
It is unclear which specific products were contaminated and caused the illnesses. The FDA said its investigation is still ongoing to determine the source of the contamination and if there are additional affected products.
Illnesses were reported in nine states, which were California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.
The recalled products were made with raw, or unpasteurized, milk.
Raw cheese products have been recalled due to the potential presence of E. coli bacteria
Pasteurization uses heat to kill harmful bacteria, including E. coli, making raw products more prone to carrying the pathogens.
‘Consumers who purchased recalled cheese may return it to the place of purchase for a refund,’ the FDA said in its recall notice.
Recalled products were sold in unspecified retail stores in 8oz or 16oz packages and to food service customers or wholesalers in 5lbs loaves, or large rectangular blocks of cheese.
State and local health officials are interviewing people who have been sickened about the foods they ate in the week before their illness.
The CDC said that of the nine individuals interviewed, all of them reported consuming Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese.
Illnesses were reported to the CDC between July 7 and August 26.
The agency warned that the true number of sick individuals is likely higher because many recover on their own and without E. coli testing.
Recent illnesses may not yet be reported because it takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia each reported one illness. There were three illnesses each in California and Nevada.
According to the CDC’s data, sickened individuals ranged from one to 58 years old, with an average age of five. Over half of cases were in children five or younger.
E. coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts.
Roughly 75,000 to 90,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli each year and about 100 die annually. However, cases are vastly undercounted because most people recover without complication and do not get tested for the bacteria.
Pictured above are the recalled raw cheese products
Pictured above is the CDC’s map showing the number of E. coli cases linked to the outbreak per state
E. coli bacteria stop growing at temperatures below 45.5F (7.5C) but can survive being frozen and are able to withstand temperatures below -112F (-80C).
Once back in a warm environment, the bacteria are re-activated and start to grow – potentially causing an infection.
E. coli typically sickens people between two and eight days after exposure.
Most patients develop bloody diarrhea and vomiting, as well as stomach cramps, but recover within a week. In more severe cases, some develop HUS, a type of kidney failure most common in children under five, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms include easy bruising, decreased urine and a pale appearance. A kidney transplant may be necessary in severe or life-threatening instances.
The CDC warned individuals who believe they have been sickened to seek medical care immediately if they experience diarrhea with a fever higher than 102F (39C), diarrhea that does not improve for more than two days, bloody diarrhea, vomiting to the point of being unable to keep down liquids or signs of dehydration such as not urinating often, dry mouth and throat and dizziness.
The agency advised against consuming raw dairy and suggested washing and sanitizing items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
