a newborn baby new mexico According to state health officials, the woman died from a listeria infection likely linked to her mother drinking raw milk during pregnancy.
The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday issued a warning to the public to avoid consuming raw dairy products following the death of a newborn. Health officials believe the “most likely” source of infection is that the mother drank unpasteurized milk during pregnancy.
Investigators said they could not determine the exact cause, but said, “This tragic death highlights the serious risks that raw dairy products pose to pregnant women, young children, older New Mexicans, and those with compromised immune systems.”
Raw milk’s popularity is surging amid the “Make America Healthy Again” movement led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Five deaths reported in bacterial outbreak in major city
US Food and Drug Administration issued regulations Although interstate sales of raw milk were banned decades ago, the beverage has not been banned by the federal government, leaving each state to decide whether it is safe for human consumption.
“People who are pregnant Should consume only pasteurized dairy products to prevent newborn illness and death,” Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, said in a statement.
Raw milk is not pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to remove pathogens.
Deadly bacteria outbreak infects dozens near city, authorities sound alarm
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consuming foods and beverages made from raw milk can expose you to Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella.
Listeria monocytogenes is the third leading cause of death. food poisoning According to the CDC, about 1,250 people become infected and about 172 people die in the United States each year.
The CDC states that certain groups of people, including: children under 5 years oldadults over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness.
“New Mexico’s dairy producers work hard to provide safe and healthy products, and pasteurization is an important part of that process,” New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff M. Witte said in a statement. “Consumers, especially high-risk consumers, are encouraged to choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness.”
Last August, Outbreak of Escherichia coli and Campylobacter Problems related to raw milk from a Florida farm have sickened 21 people, including six children.
