Saratoga Springs Campylobacter Outbreak Update

Posted by Campylobacter Lawyer on May 21, 2010

The UCHD continues its epidemiological investigation of campylobacter in the Saratoga Springs area. With the assistance of the Utah Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Case Definitions" have been established. These are used to classify individuals for statistical reporting purposes, and gives public health the opportunity to find trends in disease, sources, etc.

Individuals are considered "Confirmed Cases" of this outbreak if they lived and/or visited the area since April 12th, have had symptoms consistent with campylobacter (diarrhea, vomiting) after April 13th, and have a laboratory test confirming campylobacter. Individuals are "Probable Cases" is they have all the above except the lab confirmation.

As of May 20th, the UCHD has reported 17 confirmed cases and 333 probable cases in connection with this outbreak. The UCHD is continuing the investigation, as well as notifying physicians of the outbreak and making recommendations for residents. The UCHD continues to be concerned about secondary infections, and would advise precaution for anyone who is or has been sick in the last 10 days (see link below).

If you believe you or your family members have been effected by this outbreak, please contact the UCHD Office of Epidemiology at 801-851-7037 or by emailing uchlth.lisag@state.ut.us.

Ropelato Dairy in Ogden Utah linked to Campylobacter Outbreak

Posted by Bill Marler on May 20, 2010

Utah health officials have linked a Campylobacter outbreak to raw milk purchased from Ropelato Dairy in Ogden, Utah.

The Utah Department of Health announced Monday it has suspended the dairy’s permit to sell unpasteurized milk due to the outbreak. Nine individuals in Weber, Davis and Cache counties, all of whom have since recovered, were diagnosed with Campylobacter after drinking raw milk from the farm during the outbreak.

The farm stopped selling raw milk after learning one person became sick, and may permanently halt unpasteurized milk sales altogether, Bob Ropelato, co-owner of Ropelato Dairy said to The Standard-Examiner.

Campylobacteriosis can spread through contaminated food and water, and may cause vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, fever and muscle pain. In rare cases some people can develop arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause paralysis.