Health officials in San Luis Obispo County, California, are investigating a potential link between five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Brookshire Farms, a pumpkin patch that voluntarily closed on October 27 ahead of Halloween.
The suspected exposure period spans October 16 through October 26, according to a county health advisory issued on October 27. Among the five cases, three children are in intensive care, while two adults have also been affected. The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department has not yet identified the source of the infections but is working to determine the cause.
Officials urge anyone who visited the pumpkin patch during the exposure window and later developed gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical attention. Symptoms typically include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, with onset occurring three to 10 days after exposure.
Brookshire Farms, which features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other seasonal attractions, has remained closed while the investigation continues. A spokesperson for the farm confirmed the closure in a statement to local media.
Broader Public Health Response
Separate from the California investigation, health officials in Will County, Illinois, are probing a potential link between five confirmed STEC cases and Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. Four of the Illinois patients required hospitalization, though no details on their conditions have been released.
In both states, public health departments are coordinating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to trace potential sources of contamination. The CDC notes that young children under 10 are at the highest risk for severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Dr. Christy Mulkerin, San Luis Obispo County Health Officer, emphasized the urgency of the investigation. “We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community,” she stated in the advisory. “We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention.”
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Public health experts warn that E. coli infections can escalate quickly, particularly in vulnerable populations. Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician based in California, highlighted the importance of monitoring symptoms closely. “The diarrhea is really the key component here, and the stomach cramps,” he told Fox News Digital. “Younger children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need to closely watch children younger than 5.”
Typical symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Bloody diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination)
The CDC advises that individuals with symptoms should avoid preparing food for others and wash hands thoroughly to prevent potential spread. Most cases resolve within 5 to 7 days, but severe infections may require hospitalization.
Farm Closures and Community Impact
The closure of Brookshire Farms has disrupted local fall festivities, as the pumpkin patch was a seasonal attraction for families. The farm has not indicated whether it will reopen for the remainder of the year, pending test results and further guidance from health officials.
In Illinois, Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm has not issued a public statement regarding the investigation, but the Will County Health Department has urged visitors from the exposure period to monitor their health and report symptoms.
Health departments in both states continue to collect samples and interview affected individuals to identify the source of contamination. No additional cases have been publicly reported outside these clusters as of the latest advisories.