Milk being poured to a glass. (Photo : Getty Image/Graeme Robertson)
New evidence has been uncovered that links a deadly listeria outbreak back in 2014. It is connected to raw milk from a Pennsylvania farm.
In January, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found and identified listeria bacteria in raw chocolate milk, according to UPI. The milk was a product from Miller's Organic Farm in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania.
The bacteria were confirmed by tests and it had very close relation to the strain that claimed one victim in Florida, and made another sick in California last 2014. It took investigators until now to finally determine the cause, CBS News reported.
Amos Miller, the owner of the organic farm in question, clarified that their company only operates as a private membership club. He added that they only supply milk and other farm-grown products to those members, and does not distribute to other outlets or retail stores.
Miller even told CBS News that they are still selling raw milk and they are not aware of any problems regarding health. He specified that he does not know that it was proven that the farm is linked to the listeria issue.
CDC officials have warned the consumers to avoid raw milk products that have been produced from the organic farm. Health officials have already been advising the public to avoid raw milk that has not been pasteurized because it might carry different bacteria, including listeria.
In the past, there have been a lot of widely known listeria outbreaks. One of those outbreaks was from 2015, which was linked to Blue Bell Creameries ice cream. The outbreak claimed three people and made 10 people sick. In 2014, seven people had died from eating caramel apples contaminated with listeria.
Those who are prone to the listeria bacteria are young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems. Pregnant women are also advised to stay away from this type of bacteria because it can cause several problems for the baby, including miscarriage.
People who have listeria or have listeriosis usually get symptoms within a few days. Symptoms may include muscle aches, fever, stiff neck, headaches, confusion, convulsions and a loss of balance. If this type of bacteria gets into the bloodstream, it may cause complications that can be life-threatening.
Watch Blue Bell listeria outbreak video last year below:
