E. coli outbreak in California linked to pumpkin patch: three children in intensive care, five cases confirmed

Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections that health officials are investigating for a possible link to a pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo, California. The farm closed just days before Halloween as officials work to identify the source of the infections.

According to an advisory issued on 27 October by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department, five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection have been confirmed, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms.

Officials put the suspected exposure period from 16 October through 26 October. Anyone who visited the pumpkin patch between those dates has been advised to monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.

County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said in the news release that officials are working diligently to identify the source of the infections to protect the health of the community. She encouraged 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 include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration. They usually begin within three to 10 days of exposure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and founder of Wellness Equity Alliance in California, said diarrhea is the key component, along with stomach cramps, and that it can lead to dehydration and fatigue. He said younger children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need to closely watch children younger than 5.

Speaking generally about potential exposure routes at pumpkin patches, Evans said E. coli can spread when bacteria from feces reach someone's mouth. He pointed to potentially contaminated food or water, animal contact and person-to-person transmission as possible routes, and noted that not all E. coli bacteria cause illness; the confirmed cases involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. He added that washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent it.

The county health department said the farm has voluntarily closed as a precaution while investigators work to identify the source of the infections, determine whether the cases are connected and assess whether others may be at risk. Brookshire Farms said it was reserving comment pending test results from the county health department.