E. coli outbreak lands 3 in hospital, health officials investigate link to pumpkin patch
Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli have been confirmed in San Luis Obispo County, California, and officials are investigating a possible link to Brookshire Farms pumpkin patch. Three children are in intensive care, and the farm has closed voluntarily while the source and any further risk are assessed.
The suspected exposure period is 16 to 26 October. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea, usually starting three to 10 days after exposure; young children are at greater risk of serious complications. Officials advise visitors during the period to watch for symptoms and seek medical care if they develop them. Possible routes include contaminated food or water, contact with animals, or person-to-person spread.
In short
- Five E. coli cases are under investigation in California.
- Three children are in intensive care.
- Officials are examining a possible link to a closed pumpkin patch.
Explained simply
E. coli is a group of bacteria, and some types can cause serious illness. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can lead to severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea, sometimes with blood; young children are at greater risk of serious complications.
The bacteria can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with infected animals, or from person to person. A visit to a farm or pumpkin patch can involve several of these possible routes, so investigators look at where people went and what they ate or touched.
San Luis Obispo County health officials are examining whether visits to Brookshire Farms are connected to the illnesses. The investigation aims to identify any source of exposure and assess whether others may also be at risk.