Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections as health officials investigate a possible link to a California pumpkin patch. Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection have been confirmed, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo, according to an advisory issued by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department on October 27.
The suspected exposure period is between October 16 and October 26. Health officials advise that anyone who visited the pumpkin patch during those dates should monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms. County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said in a statement, "We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community. We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention."
Typical symptoms of E. coli infection include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration, which usually begin within three to 10 days of exposure. Young children under 10 are typically at the highest risk for complications, which can include hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that damages blood cells and can lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The farm at the center of the investigation, Brookshire Farms, has voluntarily closed as a precaution while investigators work to identify the source of the infections and determine whether the cases are connected. The farm has declined to comment on the situation, pending test results from the county health department.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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