Snohomish County Health confirms E. coli infection linked to raw-milk cheese

The Snohomish County Health Department confirmed a case of E. coli linked to Twin Sisters Creamery cheese, part of a cluster of at least 10 cases in Washington and Oregon. The company, located in Ferndale, Washington, issued a recall for specific cheese varieties after the outbreak. Local, state, and federal health agencies are investigating the source of the infection, which involves shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

Consumers are advised to discard any recalled cheese products and to wash surfaces that may have come into contact with the cheese. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea or persistent high fever, should seek medical attention promptly. The health department warns pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly to avoid unpasteurized cheese unless properly heated. E. coli can spread through contaminated food or water, and infected individuals can transmit the bacteria to others.

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding food safety and the risks associated with raw-milk products.