At Least Two People Sick from Old Silvana Creamery Raw Milk

The Washington State Department of Health announced an outbreak of Campylobacter illnesses associated with Old Silvana Creamery raw milk.

Here’s what we know.

Two Washingtons Residents Sick, Both Drank Milk Produced By Old Silvana Creamery

Washington State Department of Health issued an outbreak announcement on August 12, 2024.

Two Washington state residents from two different counties were sickened with the same, “highly related strain” of Campylobacter jejuni. One resident was from Thruston County. The other was from Pierce County.

Both people indicated they consumed Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery of Arlington, Washington prior to becoming sick.

They each purchased Old Silvana Jim’s Jerseys gallon-sized whole milk between July 10, 2024 and July 16, 2024. This milk has now expired.

The two cases had nothing else in common.

Samples Were Collected in Response to Outbreak Associated with Old Silvana Creamery Raw Milk

In response to the outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni cases associated with Old Silvana Creamery raw milk products, the Washington State Department of Agriculture conducted an inspection. Both the dairy farm and the milk plant were inspected, and samples were collected.

Both facilities had current passing inspections.

Results from all samples obtained were negative for Campylobacter bacteria.

No recall was initiated for any Jim’s Jerseys or Old Silvana Creamery products.

The outbreak investigation is still active.

This is Not the First Time Old Silvana Creamery Has Been in the News

This is not the first time Old Silvana Creamery products have been in the news.

In fact, the company issued a voluntary recall in December 2017 for their retail raw milk due to potential contamination with the harmful pathogen, Escherichia coli.

The recall was initiated following routine sampling activities. Laboratory results revealed the presence of toxin-producing Escherichia coli in retail raw milk with a date of 12/15.

Raw Milk is Legal in Washington State

Washington State allows the sale of raw milk, despite the significant risks to human health.

Raw milk is a high-risk food that may cause illness because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. The significant risk is due to the risk of cattle manure contamination during the milking and production process.

Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria, such as E. coli, and Listeria can potentially contaminate raw milk.

In fact, Washington State has seen 11 outbreaks associated with consumption of raw milk between 2005 and 2024. One outbreak involved Salmonella bacteria. Seven involved Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Three with Campylobacter bacteria.

While the sale of raw milk is legal, it is only allowed by Washington State Department of Agriculture-licensed producers and processors. Separate licenses are required for further processing, human consumption, or animal feed. All facilities are monitored.

Washington State Department of Agriculture Conducts Routine Sampling Activities

The Washington State Department of Agriculture conducts routine sampling activities at raw milk facilities. This sampling takes place on a monthly basis. Samples are screened for pathogens often found in raw milk, including Campylobacter bacteria.

These routine sampling activities will continue as outlined in Washington State Department of Agriculture regulations as expected.

What is Campylobacteriosis?

Campylobacteriosis is the illness associated with Campylobacter bacterial infections. Campylobacter bacteria are naturally occurring in the intestines of cattle, poultry, and pigs. These animals can carry Campylobacter without ever becoming sick.

It doesn’t take much Campylobacter bacteria for someone to become sick.

Common ways people become sick with campylobacteriosis include:

• Drinking unpasteurized milk (like Old Silvana Creamery raw milk associated with this outbreak).
• Consuming raw or undercooked beef, chicken, or pork.
• Eating produce prepared with cutting boards used to cut raw poultry or meat.
• Coming into contact with animals or their beds, cages, stalls, barns, or other environments.

Campylobacter Symptoms

Campylobacter bacterial infections cause intestinal illnesses.

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Most people recover on their own without medical intervention within about a week. However, some people may experience serious or life-threatening complications from their illness.

Campylobacteriosis Complications

In addition to intestinal illness, Campylobacter bacteria can cause serious health complications. In some cases, the bacteria make their way outside of the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. There it can go on to impact other parts of the body.  Possible complications include Guillain-Barré Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Reactive Arthritis.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a type of paralysis. Around 3,000 to 6,000 people experience this syndrome in the United States each year. Campylobacter infections are not the only cause to this condition, however it is a common complication associated with campylobacteriosis.

Gullain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune response that attacks the body’s nerves.

It starts as a weakness and tingling sensation in the arms and upper body and can spread until muscles become paralyzed over the course of a few hours, days, or even weeks depending on the person.

Most people recover within a few weeks. However, others may take years to recover. Some may experience permanent nerve damage. Some people have even died from Guillain-Barré syndrome complications.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Irritable Bowel Disease is caused by environmental triggers, such as a Campylobacter bacterial infection.

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract often comes with symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding/bloody stools, weight loss, and fatigue.

Reactive Arthritis

Campylobacter infections can also affect the body’s collagen, causing a joint condition called reactive arthritis. This condition involves inflammation, pain, and swelling of the joints (knees, ankles, and feet). It can also affect the eyes and urethra.

Reactive arthritis symptoms may come and go. However, it can take up to a year or more to fully resolve in some cases.

Have You Become Sick from Consuming Old Silvana Creamery Raw Milk Products?

If you have become sick from consuming Old Silvana Creamery raw milk products and wish to pursue a legal case for compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Campylobacter lawyer that can help.

Medical bills, lost income, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness can add up.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has helped countless families with cases just like yours. Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)