In Louisiana, 11 people became ill after consuming unpasteurized raw milk, and two had to be hospitalized.
The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a series of people who tested positive for infections linked to drinking unpasteurized milk since April 23.
The milk came from three milk operations in the state, officials did not disclose.
Two of the 11 people who tested positive for campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis, bacteria found in raw milk, were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported to date. The health ministry did not reveal the age or place of residence of the sick patient.
Under Louisiana law, raw milk may be sold or distributed only for animal or pet consumption. The Louisiana Department of Health does not regulate the production of raw milk or raw milk products.
Raw milk is a known source of bacteria, including Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. All of these pathogens are destroyed through pasteurization, which involves heating the milk to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
A study conducted at the University of Delaware found that compared to consumers of pasteurized dairy products, people who drink raw milk are 840 times more likely to get sick and 45 times more likely to be hospitalized.
