State Health Officials Warn of Illnesses Linked to Raw Milk Consumption

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning residents about the risks of drinking raw, unpasteurized milk after at least eleven people in the state recently became ill with Campylobacter infections linked to a common source. Officials said raw milk has not been heat-treated to kill bacteria and other pathogens, increasing the risk of foodborne illness, particularly for children, older adults, and people with health conditions. IDPH urges residents to choose pasteurized dairy products, refrigerate perishables properly, and discard spoiled food to reduce the risk of illness.