Three Kids in ICU as Pumpkin Farm E.coli Cases Probed: How to Stay Safe
Summary
Health officials are investigating separate clusters of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections potentially linked to pumpkin farms in California and Illinois. In California, three children were in intensive care, and the farm under investigation closed for the rest of the season; Illinois officials reported five cases and four hospitalizations.Key Facts
- San Luis Obispo County reported five confirmed E. coli cases: two adults and three children.
- The three children in the California cluster were being treated in a pediatric intensive care unit in serious condition.
- Officials are investigating a possible connection to Brookshire Farms, which closed voluntarily and said it would stay closed for the rest of pumpkin season.
- Health officials asked people who visited Brookshire Farms from October 16 to October 26 and later developed gastrointestinal symptoms to contact a health care provider.
- Will County, Illinois, reported five confirmed cases potentially linked to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm; four patients were hospitalized, and at least three had been discharged.
- Bengtson's closed its petting zoo as a precaution while keeping its other attractions open, according to the article.
- E. coli can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals or contaminated surfaces, or contact with an infected person.
- Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water after contact with animals and before eating or preparing food.
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