Family-favorite California pumpkin patch linked to E. coli outbreak

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A popular San Luis Obispo pumpkin patch has been linked to an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened several people — leaving three children in the intensive care unit.

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health said it had confirmed five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to the Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch.

“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.

Three of infected are children in serious condition at the pediatric ICU, the health department said.

While the source still needs to be confirmed, officials said all of those infected visited the pumpkin patch. 

“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.

“We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community.”

Officials described the exposure period as between October 16 and 26.

On Tuesday, the farm closed its doors voluntarily. The health department said it would remain closed until testing is complete. Results are expected to take several days.

Brookshire’s owner said the farm is fully cooperating with authorities.

Officials said anyone who visited the farm between Oct. 16-26 and is experiencing “gastrointestinal symptoms, usually cramping abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea,” typically 3–10 days after they were there, should contact their healthcare provider, noting children have a high risk of developing complications.

“We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention,” Mulkerin said.

“Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention,” officials added.

The health department said the investigation remains ongoing. The California Post reached out to the agency for further comment.

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