JACKSON, Wyo. — A small number of Teton County residents have fallen ill after consuming raw milk products ordered from Slow Food in the Tetons’ online marketplace in September.
Four kids and one adult have been sick with E. coli campylobacter, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). Two of the cases are confirmed, and the other three cases are considered “probable.” Two of the kids had to be hospitalized. Residents of both Teton and Lincoln counties have been affected.
According to a statement by Slow Food in the Tetons, a suspected source of the illnesses “is a single provider of raw dairy products that sold in the batch at the Slow Food in the Tetons Online Marketplace on Sept. 14 or 21.”
“We wanted to first extend our deepest care for the family most impacted by the E. coli contamination,” the statement read. “While we don’t yet know its source in certain terms, our thoughts are especially with the family of one individual who is very ill.”
WDH said these patients are contending with the Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli, known as STEC, which can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Campylobacter causes similar symptoms, with the potential addition of fever. Both illnesses can cause more severe infections.
Sixty-one households have been contacted by WDH regarding the illness cluster, and about one third of them have responded. WDH said that both the seller and producer identified with the illness cluster have been cooperative.
Slow Food in the Tetons advised customers to dispose of certain items.
“In an abundance of caution, Slow Food in the Tetons also informed potentially impacted customers of the situation and asked that any remaining product be discarded,” the statement read.
Anyone with questions is directed to contact Matthew Peterson at the Wyoming Public Health Division at 307-777-7007 or 307-214-9841.
