Three children were reported in intensive care with serious E.coli infections as health officials investigate cases potentially linked to pumpkin farms in California and Illinois, raising concerns for families visiting popular fall attractions just ahead of Halloween. In California, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department confirmed five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, or STEC, and said it was investigating a potential link to Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo. The county has not determined the source of the infections.
The five cases involve two adults and three children. Tom Cuddy, spokesperson for the county health department, told SFGATE that the children were being treated in a pediatric intensive care unit in serious condition. Brookshire Farms, which features a pumpkin patch, corn maze and other fall attractions, voluntarily closed while health officials investigated.
The farm said it would remain closed for the remainder of the pumpkin season while awaiting test results. "We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community," County Health Officer Dr. "We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E.coli infection to seek immediate medical attention." Officials urged people who visited Brookshire Farms from October 16 to October 26 and later developed gastrointestinal symptoms to contact a healthcare provider.
Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and typically appear three to 10 days after exposure. The California investigation follows a separate cluster of STEC infections potentially connected to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, Illinois. The Will County Health Department said it was investigating five confirmed cases that may be linked to visits to the farm.
Four of the five patients were hospitalized, and at least three had been discharged, The Herald-News reported, citing county officials. The patients ranged in age from 4 to 38. Bengtson's closed its petting zoo as a precaution while keeping the rest of the farm open, including its rides, attractions, food stands and vendors, according to NBC Chicago.
The farm said health officials had not determined where or how the infections occurred. The farm also said it was arranging for its animals to be tested as investigators examined possible sources of exposure. STEC can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, or contact with someone who is infected, according to health officials.
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