California pumpkin patch closed after E. coli outbreak

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 14:45 · Archive

Five cases of E. coli linked to Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo have left three children in intensive care.

Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo, California has been linked to an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that has infected five people, including three children hospitalised in serious condition in a pediatric intensive care unit.

The farm closed voluntarily on Tuesday and announced Wednesday it would remain shut through the end of pumpkin season while county health officials investigate. All five confirmed cases involved people who visited the farm between 16 and 26 October, though health officials said they are still investigating exactly how visitors became infected.

County Health Officer Christy Mulkerin said the strain of E. coli involved 'can cause bloody diarrhea and vomiting and then in young children cause renal disease and sometimes kidney failure'. Symptoms typically appear three to ten days after exposure and include severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhoea. Young children face the highest risk of serious complications including kidney failure.

Health officials are urging anyone who visited the pumpkin patch during the exposure period to watch for symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they develop gastrointestinal problems. The farm's owner said Brookshire Farms is fully cooperating with the investigation. Test results are expected to take several days.

How it is being reported

• E. coli outbreak lands 3 in hospital, health officials investigate link to pumpkin patchThree children are in intensive care after an E. coli outbreak potentially linked to Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo, California.Fox News · 30 Oct, 14:24
• California pumpkin patch tied to E. coli outbreak takes urgent action after 3 kids sent to ICUInvestigators have yet to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak.New York Post · 30 Oct, 01:09
• Family-favorite California pumpkin patch linked to E. coli outbreakThe E. coli outbreak has left three children in the intensive care unit.New York Post · 28 Oct, 21:41

In this story: Brookshire Farms · San Luis Obispo · Christy Mulkerin · California

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