Image by Wolfgang Ehrecke from Pixabay
There is an uptick in illnesses related to raw milk in Idaho. So much so, that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, along with local and state partners have launched an investigation.
The state is warning residents about the risks associated with raw milk and working to track down potential sources of these infections.
Not a lot of information is available to the public yet. But so far, the Department of Health and Welfare has identified Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections with a connection to raw milk.
Here’s what we know so far!
According to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, raw milk can be legally sold through multiple outlets in the state. But it is not required to be tested for bacteria like Campylobacter, E. coli, or other disease-causing germs.
It is a buyer beware market, so to speak.
In a press release, the Department warns residents about the health risks and high-risk status for some Idahoan consumers.
“People should be aware of possible health risks before consuming raw, unpasteurized dairy products or providing such products to family members, particularly people who might be at higher risk for illness, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromise.”
According to a press release, there have been at least 23 cases of Campylobacter infections since August 1, 2025. Six of those sickened were children under the age of 12.
Campylobacter is a bacterium commonly associated with raw milk, poultry, and other food products. These bacterial infections can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illnesses. People usually begin feeling sick around two to five days after ingesting campylobacter bacteria or something contaminated with it. Most people begin feeling better in about a week. However, some people may experience additional complications.
Campylobacter symptoms to look out for:
Certain people with weakened immune systems such as those with AIDS, receiving chemotherapy, or people with a blood disorder may develop a life-threatening infection if it spreads to the bloodstream.
The press release also indicated that there have been at least three cases of STEC cases across the state of Idaho who indicated that they consumed raw milk prior to becoming sick. At least two people have been hospitalized for their illnesses.
Various brands of raw milk have been noted.
E. coli bacteria are often associated with raw milk-related infections. Along with undercooked meat and other food products. Symptoms of this illness can range from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days or more after eating contaminated food.
E. coli symptoms to look out for:
People generally recover from E. coli infections within about a week (five to seven days). However, some people may experience other complications. The elderly, young children, and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe symptoms or develop a serious complication.
One such complication is known as hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS. A type of kidney failure that results when E. coli bacteria breach blood vessels in the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. Between five and ten percent of E. coli infections result in HUS and require hospitalization.
In addition to the recent Campylobacter and STEC illnesses observed, other germs are known to be associated with raw milk outbreaks. Notably, Listeria and Salmonella.
Listeria infections are also common in raw milk-related outbreaks. This type of bacterial infection is complicated, in that they impact people who are pregnant differently than those who are not. More deadly outcomes often occur in the latter. Especially when the bacteria leave the digestive system and enter other parts of the body.
Intestinal illness often begins within around 24 hours of consuming contaminated food and lasts for around one to three days.
Intestinal Listeria infection symptoms to look out for:
Invasive illness happens when Listeria bacteria move beyond the digestive system and enter other parts of the body. If this happens, it usually occurs around two weeks after exposure.
Symptoms of invasive illness in non-pregnant people:
Invasive Listeria infections in those who are not pregnant are particularly deadly. 1 in 20 non-pregnant people with invasive listeriosis will die from their illness.
While personal symptoms of invasive illness are relatively milder for the pregnant person, the impact on the pregnancy can be devastating.
Symptoms of invasive illness in pregnant people:
Salmonella infections are also commonly associated with contaminated raw milk. These symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure.
Symptoms to look out for include:
In most cases, symptoms are resolved within a week (four to seven days).
In addition to the initial sickness from becoming infected with germs from raw milk contamination, other serious complications may arise.
These long-term complications can have lasting effects on the body after a single exposure to contaminated raw milk.
You may be wondering what makes raw milk so dangerous.
Raw milk, as opposed to pasteurized milk, has not undergone sufficient heating to render it free of harmful germs that can cause foodborne illness. Even though milk is generally refrigerated, certain germs can continue to reproduce and grow into infectious numbers.
Listeria, for example, can thrive in cold temperatures.
Before consuming raw milk, people should consider their risk factors, the source of milk, and other safer options.
If you have become sick from raw milk in Idaho and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.
Consumers expect that food and drink we purchase is safe. Lapses in food safety protocols can result in illness. A raw milk lawyer helps hold accountable those responsible for these lapses.
Call (833) 330-3663 for more your free, no obligation consultation to discuss the details of your situation. Or click here to email and a member of our compassionate team will get back with you shortly.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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