Quick takes: Re-emergent COVID strain, extended US RSV season, typhus in California

After waiting three weeks and “under protest,” Raw Farm has recalled its raw-milk cheddar cheese products linked to a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli that has sickened nine people, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

Late last week, the California company relented after initially refusing to pull the cheese from the market because it contested the FDA’s epidemiologic links between the infections and their products. “We 100% disagree with the FDA’s false ‘possible link’, and extreme allegations,” Raw Milk said in a statement on its website.

Although no pathogens have been found in samples collected by the FDA, all eight people interviewed by CDC, FDA, and state and local health officials reported consuming raw cheese or milk, including seven who identified Raw Farm as the brand. In addition, whole-genome sequencing revealed that bacteria from infected people were closely related, indicating that they became ill from the same food.

The products were sold at retailers nationwide, namely Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B, but other outlets may also have sold them, the FDA noted. “FDA initiated an onsite inspection and sample collection at Raw Farm, LLC in coordination with state partners,” the agency said. “Sample analysis is ongoing but, at this time, FDA is not aware of any positive samples.”

Over half of those infected were young kids

Cases of Shiga toxin–producing E coli tied to the unpasteurized block and shredded cheese occurred in California, Florida, and Texas from September 1, 2025, to February 20, 2026, prompting an investigation in mid-March. Over half of the cases were in children younger than five years. Three people were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure. The investigation is ongoing.

Choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products is the best way to safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of milk.

“Choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products is the best way to safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of milk,” the CDC said in its latest investigation update. “This is especially important for children under 5 because they are more likely to get sick from raw dairy.”