Louisiana health officials are probing a raw milk scare that has left at least 11 people sick since April 23, with two of them hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Lab tests have confirmed campylobacteriosis and/or cryptosporidiosis, infections that can bring on severe stomach misery, including diarrhea, cramps, fever and vomiting.
State health department confirms cluster
Investigators have tied the illnesses to unpasteurized milk and are still tracking the scope of the problem, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. The agency cautions that more patients could surface as test results come back and interviews continue. Officials are especially worried about young children, pregnant people, older adults and anyone with weakened immune systems, who face the highest risk of serious complications.
Three milking operations are under review
People who became sick reported drinking raw milk from three different milking operations, though state officials have not named the farms publicly. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain told the USA TODAY Network that he had not yet been told which producers were involved and that his office would “take a look,” according to New Orleans CityBusiness. The illnesses come on the heels of a 2024 state law that permits the sale of raw milk only for animal consumption and requires strict labeling.
2024 law restricts sales for people
Under the 2024 statute, raw milk in Louisiana can legally be sold only for animal or pet use and must carry a clear “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” warning, along with required testing, according to the Louisiana Legislature. The law also lets the agriculture commissioner temporarily halt the sale, distribution or movement of raw milk from any producer whose product is tied to an outbreak that threatens public or animal health.
Why raw milk can sicken people
Because raw milk skips pasteurization, it can carry harmful germs such as Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium that cause gastrointestinal illness, according to the CDC. Those infections often show up as diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Health officials warn that these bugs can be especially dangerous for children, pregnant people, older adults and people with compromised immune systems.
What to do if you drank raw milk
Anyone who has recently consumed raw milk and then develops stomach trouble should seek medical care and make sure to mention the raw milk exposure. Suspected cases should also be reported to public health so investigators can track the outbreak and identify others who might be at risk, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. The agency says clinical testing and interviews are still underway, and the tally of cases could grow.
Outlook and enforcement
Health officials say the investigation remains active, and more illnesses may be found as lab work and follow-up interviews continue. If a specific producer is confirmed as a source, the 2024 law gives the agriculture commissioner authority to suspend that producer’s raw milk sales while testing and corrective steps are carried out, according to the Louisiana Legislature. So far, officials have not announced any enforcement actions.
