Alaska campylobacter outbreak linked to Peninsula Dairy, at least 21 people infected

In a follow up to a story last week, Alaska health officials announced they have found the source of a campylobacter outbreak that has sickened around two dozen people, according to a Peninsula Clarion report Wednesday.

Raw milk Image/YouTube Video Screen Shot

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services epidemiologists have traced the source of the outbreak to Peninsula Dairy, a dairy farm in Kasilof on the Kenai Peninsula.

The total of those infected are at least 21, this is up from the official total of 18 last Friday. Two people required hospitalization for their illnesses.

A team that inspected the dairy operations,  owned by Kevin Byers, deemed the operation “In comparison to most dairies, he’s doing a very pretty good job.”

The outbreak, which began in late January, has been linked to raw milk sold by the dairy.

Campylobacter are bacteria that can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramping/pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The illness typically lasts from several days to over a week, with variable severity. Some people, especially young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, can develop severe or even life-threatening illness. Infrequently, Campylobacter infection leads to long-term consequences. Some people with Campylobacter infection develop arthritis, and rarely, some develop a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome that inflames the nerves of the body beginning several weeks after the onset of diarrhea.

The investigation is ongoing.

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