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11 Illinoisans got sick, and an Illinois agency says the sickness may be connected to raw milk consumption.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has identified 11 recent cases of Campylobacter infection, “that appear to be linked to consumption of raw milk from a common source,” Public Information Officer James Leach said in a news release.
The producer is taking steps to notify customers and is cooperating in the investigation, Leach added.
The release referred to the collective cases as an “outbreak.”
More: As debate about raw milk goes on, number of dairy farms producing it increasing in Illinois
What is Campylobacter infection?
Campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps, according to the release. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
What is raw milk?
Raw milk is milk that is not pasteurized.
Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to destroy microorganisms that can cause disease or spoilage, while minimizing chemical changes that affect taste or aroma, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The state requires raw milk to be tested for temperature, antibiotics, and certain signs that could indicate infection, but “specific pathogen testing for germs like Campylobacter or other disease-causing agents like E. coli or salmonella is not required,” Leach wrote.
What to do if you experience symptoms
IDPH recommends anyone who has consumed raw milk and who has these symptoms to contact their medical provider.
More: Pritzker’s new executive order aims to help Illinois farmers
How to prevent illness when drinking raw milk
IDPH listed things you can do to avoid illness when consuming dairy:
- Use pasteurized milk and dairy products.
- Refrigerate perishable foods at 40 degrees or colder to slow bacterial growth. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours, or one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees.
- Throw away expired or spoiled food.
Is selling raw milk legal in Illinois?
Selling raw milk in Illinois became legal on July 1, 2016.
How many raw milk producers are there in the state?
As of June 2025, there are 16 licensed raw milk producers in the state.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.
