California Pumpkin Patch Closes Amid E. Coli Investigation

A well-known pumpkin patch in California has decided to close for the remainder of the Halloween season following links to an E. coli outbreak that has left three children in intensive care.

Brookshire Farms, located in San Luis Obispo County, announced it would stay shut while health officials investigate five confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli associated with visits to the farm.

This closure was announced after three young patients were hospitalized in serious condition, as reported by the county’s Department of Public Health.

Initially, the farm closed voluntarily on Tuesday but confirmed on Wednesday that it would remain closed as they awaited test results from the health department.

“We are waiting on the test results from the county health department,” the farm shared in a social media update. “Until then, we have nothing further to comment on.” They emphasized their decision to stay closed through pumpkin season until the test results are available.

County Health Officer Christy Mulkerin communicated to a local outlet that the five individuals infected exhibited symptoms that could lead to serious health issues, particularly in younger children, including severe abdominal pain and potential kidney failure.

While authorities have yet to identify the specific source of the outbreak, all five confirmed cases involve individuals who visited Brookshire Farms.

Mulkerin noted, “We know there’s a connection that these individuals all went to Brookshire Farms, but we’re still trying to figure out how they became ill.”

According to the farm’s owner, Brookshire Farms is fully cooperating with the inquiry into these cases. Health officials have advised anyone who attended the pumpkin patch between October 16 and October 26 to monitor for any symptoms, especially those related to gastrointestinal distress.

Symptoms from such infections generally emerge three to ten days after exposure, with young children particularly vulnerable to severe complications.

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

The health department has also issued guidance on pumpkin handling. Visitors are encouraged to wash pumpkins thoroughly before handling, cleaning any surfaces they touch with disinfectants afterward.

Additionally, they advised that people should wash their hands diligently after dealing with pumpkins, particularly before carving them to prevent contamination.

The investigation is ongoing, with results from farm testing expected in the coming days.