California Pumpkin Patch E. Coli Investigation in San Luis Obispo County: 5 Cases Confirmed, 3 Children in Serious Condition in Pediatric Intensive Care as Brookshire Farms Closes Voluntarily Through the Pumpkin Season
SAN LUIS OBISPO, California — The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department 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 farm has closed voluntarily and said it will remain closed through the rest of the pumpkin season.
The county health department said the five cases are Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections, with a suspected exposure period of October 16 to October 26, and investigators have not yet identified the source of the infections. The department has not determined whether the cases are linked to contaminated food, water, animal contact, or another source, and is gathering information from visitors, investigating potential exposures and conducting follow-up work to determine whether the cases are connected.
County health department spokesperson Tom Cuddy confirmed to The Tribune and SFGate that three of the five cases are children in serious condition receiving pediatric intensive care, USA TODAY reported. Children younger than 10 are at the highest risk of complications, health officials said. Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, and typically appear three to 10 days after exposure.
“We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community,” County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said in a statement. “We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention.”
Brookshire Farms is known for its corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other fall-themed attractions. In a statement on October 28, the farm said: “Safety is our main concern. We are waiting on the test results from the county health department. Until then, there is nothing to comment on.” The farm said it will remain closed through the rest of the pumpkin season while awaiting test results, and is cooperating with the investigation.
According to USA TODAY, citing the California Department of Public Health, most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli recover without treatment, but some cases can become severe and even life-threatening; young children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious illness.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 布鲁克郡农场玉米迷宫航拍，涉事农场即该农场。布鲁克郡农场官方网站发布。 / Aerial view of the corn maze at Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo, the farm under investigation. Released on the farm’s official website.
