11 Sickened in Illinois Raw Milk Outbreak, Health Officials Warn Against Unpasteurized Dairy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed an outbreak of Campylobacter infections linked to the consumption of raw milk, with at least 11 people across the state falling ill.

Health officials said the infections appear to be connected to a single producer, who is now notifying customers and cooperating with investigators.

Raw milk is unpasteurized, meaning it hasn’t been treated with heat to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. The IDPH warns that consuming it can pose serious health risks, especially for young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems.

“Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health successes of the last century,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a statement. “Raw milk skips this important step and can carry dangerous germs that may cause serious illness.”

Campylobacter bacteria can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, and stomach cramps, and in severe cases, it may lead to arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare nerve disorder.

The IDPH urges anyone who has recently consumed raw milk and developed these symptoms to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

To prevent illness, officials recommend the following safety measures:

Always use pasteurized milk and dairy products.
Throw away spoiled or expired food.
Refrigerate perishable foods at 40°F or below.
Never leave perishable foods out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature exceeds 90°F.

Health officials emphasize that choosing pasteurized milk remains the best way to ensure safety for Illinois families.

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