Illness After Lawmakers Tip Celebratory Raw Milk Spurs Probe

  West Virginia health officials are investigating whether lawmakers and others became ill from drinking raw milk at the Capitol shortly after passing a law loosening restrictions on drinking it.

So far, state and county health officials say they haven’t received reports of raw-milk-related illnesses. Raw milk may contain dangerous bacteria, including Listeria, Salmonella and E. Coli.

State Health Officer Dr. Rahul Gupta said officials also are probing whether someone illegally distributed it, which could yield fines of $50 to $500.

Delegate Scott Cadle said he brought in raw milk last week and drank it with friends. He said the milk was fine, and an unrelated stomach virus circulating the Capitol kept him from working Monday.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed a bill last Thursday letting people share milk-producing animals and drink raw milk. It maintains selling and distribution bans.