3 Michigan women ill after consuming raw milk
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Health officials say three Michigan women who reported consuming raw milk were diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection called Q fever.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said the raw milk was from a Livingston County farm, where people own shares of cows in exchange for unpasteurized milk products. The department said two Q fever cases were in Washtenaw County and one was in Monroe County.

People can become ill with the bacteria if they inhale barnyard dust particles contaminated by infected animals or consume raw milk. They suffer flu-like symptoms, including high fever, headaches, malaise, abdominal pain, chills, vomiting and diarrhea. Left untreated, serious cases of Q fever can lead to chronic illness that may affect a person’s heart, liver, brain and lungs and may be fatal.

Boy, 8, drowns in pond on Lapeer County farm

ATTICA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department said an eight-year-old boy drowned in a pond on a farm in Attica Township.
The Detroit Free Press said family members contacted authorities about 4:15 p.m. June 18 after the boy disappeared. The sheriff’s department said he was playing with siblings around a small wading pool in the backyard.

The department said the boy apparently wandered off and entered the pond. He was found unconscious there about 5:40 p.m. An investigation continues.

West Nile Virus found in two central Ohio counties

NEWARK, Ohio (AP) — Evidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) has been found in two central Ohio counties.

The Licking County Health Department said a pool of mosquitoes collected from traps tested positive for the virus. The state’s first evidence of WNV this year came last week in mosquitoes collected in nearby Franklin County. Ohio has had human cases of WNV each year since 2002.

Mosquitoes spread the virus, often picked up from birds they bite. Symptoms include neck stiffness and disorientation. Health officials urge Ohioans to use mosquito repellent and remove any standing water on their properties.

Commodity prices fall on global economic concerns

NEW YORK (AP) — Commodity prices are mostly lower as investors search for clues about whether the release of emergency oil reserves will help economic growth.

Most metals, corn, wheat and soybeans settled lower Friday. Oil rose but other energy products were mixed. Many investors await a clearer picture of how the economy will perform in the months ahead. They are concerned that demand will diminish for commodities if the global economy shows more signs of slowing.
Much of the focus is on oil and whether the decision by the 28-nation International Energy Agency to release 60 million barrels of crude from emergency stocks will help lower prices.

Missouri AG sues St. Louis area butcher over fillers

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has sued a St. Louis area butcher, alleging that the business is using fillers in his meat without telling customers.

Koster said John’s Butcher Shoppee, with businesses in Overland and Festus, was using beef heart and soy without listing them on the label. Beef heart and soy is cheaper than ground beef. The fillers are not a public health risk, but Koster said customers should be told what is in the meat they buy.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture found some samples were more than half beef heart. The department forbids the use of beef heart in ground beef because it has higher cholesterol than other meats.