San Luis Obispo County health officials have confirmed five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to Brookshire Farms, a popular local pumpkin patch, with three of those sickened — all children — in intensive care.
The San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health said all five confirmed patients had visited Brookshire Farms during the period between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26, which officials are treating as the likely exposure window.
“We have five people who are infected with a type of E. Coli that can cause bloody diarrhea and vomiting and then in young children cause renal disease and sometimes kidney failure,” County Health Officer Christy Mulkerin told KSBY.
The three children affected are being treated in a pediatric intensive care unit, according to the health department. Officials cautioned that the exact source of the infections within the farm has not yet been pinned down.
“We know that there’s a link that these people all went to Brookshire Farms but we’re still investigating exactly how they could’ve gotten sick,” Mulkerin said.
Mulkerin added that the department is “working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community.”
Brookshire Farms voluntarily closed on Tuesday, and the health department said it will stay shut until testing is finished, a process expected to take several days. The farm’s owner said the business is cooperating fully with investigators.
Health officials are urging anyone who visited the farm between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26 to watch for symptoms, which typically include cramping abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea and usually appear three to ten days after exposure. Children face a heightened risk of complications, including kidney failure.
“We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention,” Mulkerin said.
Officials added that anyone with bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms should seek medical care right away.
The investigation into the outbreak’s source remains ongoing.
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