One dead in E. coli outbreak linked to California pumpkin farm as more cases emerge

One person has died in an E. coli outbreak linked to a California pumpkin farm, San Luis Obispo County health officials confirmed on Tuesday. Officials have not released the person's age or identity.

The death follows confirmation of five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo, according to an advisory issued by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department.

Tom Cuddy, public information officer for the department, said in a statement to The Tribune of San Luis Obispo on Nov. 10 that one individual associated with the outbreak had died and that the information was being shared with the permission of the individual's family. He called it a heartbreaking development and extended the department's deepest condolences.

In a Nov. 6 statement, the health department said an additional 10 individuals who visited the farm between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26 and developed symptoms had been deemed suspect cases.

Tests of water, food and other samples from the farm found some bacteria, including other E. coli strains, but did not detect the strain responsible for the outbreak, officials said.

People who became ill shared possible exposures to corn cups, pumpkins, hay and water not intended for drinking, but officials could not pinpoint the source.

No farm animals or petting zoos, which are known to be common sources of this type of infection, were accessible to visitors or operating at the farm. Investigators faced limitations including numerous possible sources, items no longer available for testing and delays between exposure and sampling, and no further environmental testing is planned, according to the report.

County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin said that based on the findings, the risk of additional exposure associated with the incident had passed and there was no longer an ongoing public health threat. She thanked those who helped protect the community and encouraged continued good handwashing and food safety.

Typical symptoms of E. coli 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.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician in California, warned that diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fatigue, and said diarrhea and stomach cramps were the key components. He said younger children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable, emphasising the need to closely watch children younger than 5.

Brookshire Farms previously said it was reserving comment pending test results.