US health agencies are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to Sierra Nevada Cheese Company's Graziers raw milk cheese. As of September 25, the CDC has confirmed 13 patients across nine states, with illnesses starting between July 7 and August 26.

More than half of those sickened are children aged five or younger. Ages range from 1 to 58, with a median age of five. Eight patients have been hospitalized, and three have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Public health officials interviewed nine of the patients. All nine reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese in the week before they fell ill, according to the CDC.

The FDA contacted the company on September 24 and recommended a recall. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company agreed the same day and recalled all Graziers raw milk cheeses, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack varieties.

Officials advise consumers not to eat, sell or serve the recalled cheese, since hard cheese has a long shelf life and may still be in home refrigerators. Food safety experts note the true case count is likely higher, as many people recover without testing.