The County of San Luis Obispo, CA, Department of Public Health has confirmed five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection and is investigating a potential link to Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo. The suspected exposure period is Oct. 16 through 26. The source of the infections is under investigation.
Anyone who visited Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch or corn maze between Oct. 16 and 26 and is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, usually cramping abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, typically 3-10 days after their visit should contact their healthcare provider. Children under the age of 10 are at highest risk of having complications. Individuals contacted by Public Health investigators are strongly encouraged to cooperate with requests for information to help identify the source of the infections.
“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.”
Brookshire Farms has closed while Public Health completes its investigation and whether additional community members may be at risk. Public Health is also gathering information, investigating potential exposures and conducting follow-up activities to determine whether the cases are connected.
According to the farm’s promotional listings, in addition to the pumpkin patch, it offers hayrides, grain-cart rides, pedal carts, a jumping pillow, duck races, a playground, a hay climb, a hay maze and a corn maze, and a U-pick directory lists farm animals.
Meanwhile, investigations continue at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, IL, where four of five children with E. coli infections have been hospitalized. All five visited the farm before becoming ill.
Bengtson’s closed its petting zoo on Oct. 23 and kept the rides, food stands and corn maze open. Animal and environmental samples were taken on Oct. 26, results are expected around Nov.5.
If your child visited Brookshire Farms between Oct. 16 and 26, or Bengtson’s on or after Sept. 29, and develops bloody diarrhea, severe cramps, decreased urination, unusual paleness or lethargy, see a doctor and tell them about the farm visit. HUS can develop a week or more after the diarrhea starts.
