Because most milk and milk products in the United States are pasteurized, infections from milk are rare. However, disease-causing germs such as Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Yersinia and others can exist in non-pasteurized foods, or inadequately pasteurized foods, according to the Centers for Disease Control. People who should always steer clear of raw milk products include pregnant women, children under five, the elderly and people who have a compromised immune system, according to the CDC.
Raw Milk Products
Despite the risks, the CDC observes that many people still consume raw milk, or eat foods made from raw milk. Cheeses that in some cases are not pasteurized include: feta, brie, queso fresco, sheep's and goat's milk cheese.
E Coli
Periodic outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7, or E. coli, have been traced to raw milk products. Symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps and diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea. Rarely, E coli leads to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure; therefore, people who believe they may have E coli should see a doctor immediately, according to the Infection Control website.
MAP
Scientists in England have discovered bacteria they think is responsible for Crohn's disease. They theorize that humans pick up the bacteria through drinking milk. The bacteria, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, or MAP, was found in 92% of patients suffering from Crohn's Disease. This disease can be debilitating, with symptoms "ranging from a lack of appetite to chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain," according to Health Report UK. Professor John Hermon-Taylor of St. George's Hospital Medical School in London says this research also gives hope to those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Taylor theorizes that these patients may also be infected with MAP. Researchers said that MAP is found not only in raw milk products, but also in approximately 2% of retail pasteurized milk.
Yersiniosis
Yersinosis affects approximately 1 person per 100,000 per year, according to Kids Health. The disease caused by the bacteria usually lasts up to three weeks, and sometimes requires antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Yersinosis is usually contracted due to consuming undercooked meat products, unpasteurized milk or water contaminated by the bacteria, Kids Health states.
Listeria
According to Kids Health, listeria infection is rare; however when it strikes, it frequently affects pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. Lysteria can be contracted from eating products like milk, deli meats and cold cuts, soft-ripened cheese, undercooked chicken, uncooked hot dogs, and shellfish. Symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing and inability to eat. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
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