BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Central District Health (CDH) is investigating serious illnesses in nine Ada County residents linked to the consumption of unpasteurized milk. Of the nine people sick, two are children hospitalized with severe complications. All cases reported consuming raw milk, a known risk factor for foodborne illnesses.
CDH is conducting interviews and testing raw milk samples as part of the investigation. Several illnesses have been confirmed as Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC), which can cause severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Two children are suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of E. coli that can lead to kidney failure.
The cases have been linked to raw cow milk products from R Bar H, which has pulled its products from stores and suspended production. CDH advises consumers to avoid and discard these products. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming raw milk should seek medical care and report the illness…