2012 Multistate Outbreak of Campylobacteriosis Linked to Unpasteurized Milk

In January 2012, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced an investigation into an outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni infections. The outbreak was associated with the consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk from The Family Cow dairy store in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. There were a total of 148 outbreak associated cases. Nine were hospitalized. No one died. Case patients resided in Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Consumers were advised to discard any dairy product purchased from this farm purchased since January 1, 2012. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from at least two unopened samples of milk. The Family Cow dairy sold directly to consumers at its on-farm retail store and at multiple drop-off locations and retail stores in Pennsylvania.

Overview

Outbreak began:January 2012
Affected country:US
States/territories:MD, NJ, PA, WV
Pathogen:Campylobacter
Vehicle(s):Milk
Location(s):Private Home, Retail
Brand name(s):The Family Cow
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:148
Number hospitalized:9

Sources & documents

Recall notices
Report / reference links