Two children seriously ill after drinking unboiled raw milk

Two infants thought to be ill by eating raw milk
In the district of Emsland in Lower Saxony, two children are believed to be ill by eating unboiled raw milk. Samples showed evidence of a form of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. Health experts repeatedly point out that such milk before consumption necessarily boil.

Two toddlers get sick after eating raw milk
In the district of Emsland (Lower Saxony), two infants are probably ill by eating uncooked raw milk. According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, the milk was purchased from a dairy farm in the district of Emsland. Samples showed evidence of a form of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. The sale of raw milk in the factory was stopped immediately. Other illnesses were initially unknown.

In the district of Emsland, two infants are probably ill by eating unboiled raw milk. Samples showed evidence of a form of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli (EHEC). (Image: Jenny Sturm / fotolia.com)

The germs found are believed to be EHEC bacteria
"There is a suspicion that the germ found is Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a rare, pathogenic form of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli," the ministry writes.

Among other things, the bacterium can be transmitted when consuming raw milk and raw milk cheese, but also raw meat or raw food can be affected.

Not infrequently, an infection runs relatively unnoticed. In most cases, symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are typical symptoms of EHEC infection.

"In rare cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals and infants, the disease can take a severe to a life-threatening course," said the ministry.

Milk from the machine
Raw milk can often be bought directly on the farm or can be bottled in rural regions at so-called milk filling stations.

The raw milk may only be delivered on the day of the harvest and on the following day. A continuous cooling must be ensured.

As the Farmers Association Landvolk Niedersachsen reports on its website, "the farmer at the delivery point must clearly and legibly attach the note" raw milk, boil before consumption ".

"Even with the best hygiene and excellent management, the germ burden can never be completely ruled out," says the rural people of Lower Saxony.

The commercially available drinking milk is generally gently pasteurized and therefore does not need to be boiled.

Consuming untreated milk can make you sick
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has issued a statement stating that the consumption of untreated milk can lead to serious illnesses.

The experts also advise consumers to cook raw milk before eating it.

"The BfR also advises against the preparation and consumption of non-heated (" cold ") cocoa drinks or other milk-based drinks (milkshakes) made from raw milk either directly on site or at home," the statement says. (Ad)