E. coli Outbreak Linked to California Pumpkin Patch Sends 3 Children to Intensive Care

Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections as health officials investigate a potential link to a California pumpkin patch that closed shortly before Halloween.

Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection have been confirmed, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo. The suspected exposure period for the cases is between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26, according to an advisory issued by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department on Oct. 27.

Health officials are advising anyone who visited the pumpkin patch during those dates to monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms. The farm has voluntarily closed as a precaution while investigators work to determine the source of the infections and assess potential risks to others.

Typical symptoms of E. coli infection include severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, cramping, and signs of dehydration, which usually appear within three to 10 days of exposure. Young children, particularly those under 5, and older adults are most vulnerable to complications. One serious complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome, can damage blood cells and lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician, noted that E. coli can spread through contaminated food or water, animal contact, or person-to-person transmission. He emphasized that handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Brookshire Farms has stated it is reserving comment pending test results from the county health department.