Public health agencies in California and Illinois are investigating clusters of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections associated with visits to pumpkin farms, leaving three California children hospitalized in serious condition in a pediatric intensive care unit.
In California, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department confirmed five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli under investigation for a potential link to Brookshire Farms, though the official source of contamination has not been confirmed. County spokesperson Tom Cuddy confirmed that the five individuals comprise two adults and three children currently receiving pediatric intensive care.
Brookshire Farms voluntarily closed its grounds and will remain shut for the rest of the pumpkin season while awaiting laboratory test results. "We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community," said County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin. "We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E.coli infection to seek immediate medical attention."
Officials urged anyone who visited Brookshire Farms between October 16 and October 26 and developed gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care.
Multi-State Inquiries and Farm Safety
In Illinois, the Will County Health Department is investigating five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that may be associated with Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen. The patients were between 4 and 38 years old, and four individuals were reported hospitalized, with at least three later discharged. Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm closed its petting zoo as a preventative measure and arranged animal testing while keeping the rest of its rides, attractions, and food vendors open.
Health officials in Dallas County, Texas, are also reviewing a separate cluster of E. coli illnesses involving people who attended the State Fair of Texas, where a petting zoo was open. Children's Medical Center Dallas reported an increase in pediatric E. coli cases, while the State Fair stated it lacked confirmed data regarding the cause and maintained that its exhibits followed risk-reduction precautions. Food safety attorney Bill Marler advocates for mandatory running water and soap, operating permits, and restrictions on young children touching certain animals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication causing kidney failure that occurs most often in children under 5 who experience diarrhea.
