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April 5, 2021

Campylobacter infections linked to raw milk consumption in Skagit and other counties

 The WA Department of Health (WA DOH) has confirmed five lab-positive campylobacteriosis cases, identified in individuals who consumed Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk. The raw milk was purchased in Skagit, Clallam, Kitsap, and Clark Counties.

Dungeness Valley Creamery has issued a voluntary recall of all raw milk product with a ‘Best By’ date of April 13, 2021, or earlier. The recalled product is bottled in gallon, half-gallon, quart and pint containers. It was sold to customers in western Washington by the on-farm store, outside retail stores, and drop-off locations.  

These products may be contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria which can cause serious illness. Health officials urge consumers not to drink any Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk product with a ‘Best By’ date of April 13, 2021 or earlier, and to discard any leftover product or return it to the place of purchase.

Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include fever, diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, vomiting, malaise and abdominal pain. Most people with Campylobacter infection recover on their own, but some need antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, complications may include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk for severe illness. More information on the health risks of drinking raw milk can be found on the WA DOH website.

WA DOH is working with Washington State Department of Agriculture which regulates the production of raw milk and local health investigators during this ongoing investigation.

For a list of other food recalls and safety alerts, visit: www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/FoodSafety/Recalls.

Illness related or other confidential concerns can be brought to the attention of Skagit County Public Health by calling (360) 416-1555 or by submitting an online concern here: www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthEnvironmental/healthreportform.htm.